Jaunted

Jubilance swept the city centre, though whether this was owing to the Royal Wedding or a four-day bank holiday weekend wasn't clear. But for locals far from the thick of the action, festivities took on a comparatively subdued tone. Many Londoners hit up parties in their neighborhoods, watching telecasts in corner pubs before heading to neighborhood squares with picnic supplies and their families in tow. A virtual snoozefest in comparison to the Mall you might say, but a smarter approach to marking the occasion.

Our photo posted above should give you a taste of the tamer fetes certain locals preferred to maneuvering crowds at Hyde Park. Was there copious ale quaffing? But of course. We also caught a view of a woman in bridal-esque attire who happily received catcalls of "Kate! Kate! Congratulations!" from a drunken reveler.

Um, Kate?

Out in East London that evening, pubs strung with red, white and blue flags and patrons sporting the stray Prince Charles or Harry mask were the only telltale signs that a greater celebration had been taking place during the day. Otherwise, it was Friday night business (read: drinking) as usual for the area's seemingly nonplussed denizens.

So, there you have it: the day has come and gone, and London returns to regularly scheduled programming. By that we mean honeymoon updates by the minute. Sigh.

[Photos: Heidi Atwal for Jaunted]