Declan Donnelly and his bride Ali Astall were blessed by Pope Francis on their wedding day.
The ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’ host, 39, married his fiance and agent, 36, in a Catholic ceremony at St. Michael’s Church in Newcastle on Saturday (01.08.15) and received a framed certificate with the signed blessing from the Vatican – along with a personal message of congratulations from Prince Charles – presented by his TV partner Ant McPartlin during an impressive best man’s speech.
A source said: "Dec and Ali could not believe the big names Ant managed to get on board. But securing Prince Charles was a real coup.
"Guests were in stitches throughout the speech but gasped when he read out Charles’s message, which mentioned how happy both he and [his wife, Duchess] Camilla are for the happy couple.
"His words capped off a great speech from Ant. It was hilarious, but also very heartfelt."
The newlyweds and guests were then surprised with video messages from Simon Cowell and Bruce Forsyth.
Before congratulating the couple, Simon joked: "I would love to be with you but I’m not invited."
The ceremony was officiated by Dec’s brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, before their reception at a private location, where they were joined by a who’s who of TV stars including Fearne Cotton, Dermot O’Leary, Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield, Andi Peters and Paddy McGuinness.
Declan Donnelly congratulated by Pope and Prince Charles
