WINDSOR, England -- Some 24 years later, Prince Charles is a newlywed again.

Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles have tied the knot in England, in a modest civil ceremony followed by a majestic blessing ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Only about 30 people were on hand for the wedding at Guildhall, while hundreds gathered for the blessing conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury -- including Queen Elizabeth, who had skipped the wedding.

Afterward, the couple stepped outside to shake hands and accept good wishes from the crowd.

The day was unlike the lavish affair that saw Charles marry Princess Diana in 1981. Some people on Windsor's streets waved banners with the late princess' picture. One woman said Parker Bowles broke up the first marriage -- while holding a sign reading "Queen Camilla, never."

One woman said the two "make an appalling couple." She brought black balloons, saying she's mourning the monarchy.

Others say they're glad Charles will have a chance to be happy, with one woman saying it was a case of "love winning through."