WHETHER monarchist or otherwise participation in the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton seemed a mandatory fate for most simply by taking off the extra national holiday.

Residents embraced the occasion with 12 street parties, two park parties and several house parties across the borough to mark the passing of the wedding carriage, the pomp and the pageantry.

With its recent diminished popularity the Royal family needed a boost and it seems the couple’s human touch sparked an interest in the area.

Mother Sania Sehbai held an event at Harrow Recreation Ground for families the day before the wedding.

She said: “We had about five families together for the occasion and we loved celebrating in the build-up to the big event.

“It’s an important part of history and the younger generation will be influenced by the couple.

“For the children I made sure that the stress wasn’t put on William and Kate being a prince and princess but on their union as a couple.

"They do everyday things just like the rest of us and I thought that should be appreciated.”

Brenda Harvey, chairman of Wealdstone Active Community, celebrated the event with a party at the Holy Trinity Church, in High Street, Wealdstone, the day after the wedding.

She said: “The day went very well. The fantastic weather and the bands we had proved to be a great success.

“No-one does it better than the British when it comes to these types of event. Catherine’s dress was very elegant and there was much to be admired on the day.

“There was a lady from Cyprus who said it brought tears to her eyes when she watched it.

“It brought all ages and all types of people together but that’s what it was designed to do.

“There are few times when people come together and the day brought a sense of unity to the area.”

Former councillor Narinder Mudhar was involved in a street party in Gerard Road, Harrow, and recalled how less enthusiastic people felt compelled to join the celebrations.

He said: “All of a sudden people brought out more than the required amount of food to fill the tables.

"Even the households who were at some stage somewhat reticent of this celebration madness came out and joined in once they saw what fun everyone was having.

“The tables and chairs populating the road, which is normally a rat race track, transformed the environment to one not witnessed by the younger generation and certainly reminded the elderly of the silver jubilee event.

“For some like myself the memories of the Queen’s coronation celebrations were brought back.”

Will Unwin, 41, of Chandos Road, in Harrow, helped organise a street party in his road with neighbours.

He said: “The day was very enjoyable. We managed to set up a gazebo, put out tables and had decorations throughout the street.

“It certainly made us a lot more proactive and brought the immediate community in the street together.

“It was the fact we had something to centre the event around. The wedding itself showed what we do best. It was a spectacular event with amazing television coverage.

“A moment in history to remember. William and Kate will be good representatives for the Royal family and it puts them in quite a good light.

“Catherine is very down to earth and a lot more approachable.

“Everyone chipped in on the day with drinks and we got to meet some new neighbours, which made it all worthwhile.

"It prompted us to organise other events this summer and then something bigger next year for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and then the Olympics.”

Did you have a Royal wedding party? Leave your comments below on what you did and what you thought of the event.