Royal wedding: Prince William, Kate Middleton reveal modern details
For Prince William and Kate Middleton, grand tradition will meet their modern lives during the royal wedding, if just-released details are any indication.
For starters -- Kate will arrive at Westminster Abbey by car, not in the glass coach that was used by William's late mother, Princess Diana. That's according to a statement about the April 29 nuptials released Wednesday by a rep for papa Prince Charles, first in line for the throne.
"Obviously that was decided against," said Majesty magazine editor Joe Little, who was surprised by the choice, given precedents set by Diana and Sarah Ferguson. "We don't know why, it might have been seen as ostentatious."
Middleton will use the coach for her parade with William from Westminster Abbey, at which point she'll be a princess, to Buckingham Palace for an intimate lunch reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, the grandmother of the groom.
The ceremony is set to start at 11 a.m., with the Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev. John Hall, conducting the service and the Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Richard Chartres, giving the address.
There will be no queen's ball in advance of the wedding; Charles will invite guests from the happy couple's "personal and official" lives for a gala dinner and dancing that night.
Other delicious details -- such as the designer of Middleton's dress, the music and which celebs might be on the guest list -- are still under wraps.
How do you think the royal wedding is coming together?
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-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Photo: Kate Middleton and Prince William at their November engagement announcement. Credit: Ben Stansall / Getty Images
Conscientiously - and with their personal desires reflected in their decisions.
Would I want to be paraded around in a horse drawn carriage before the ceremony? Ah no. I would be too nervous and distracted. That she has deferred to do so after the ceremony with her then husband by her side - is understandable. I am certain BOTH OF THEM will enjoy that opportunity (and open public display) very much.
She is level headed and clearly knows what she wants. Good on her.
Posted by: Gloria | Jan 05, 2011 at 03:16 PM
She won't be a Princess, most likely the Queen will make her a Duchess title on Kate.
Posted by: m.kilpatrick | Jan 05, 2011 at 09:53 PM
I think that (Princess) Catherine Middleton should ride in the Carriage on her way to Westminster Abbey. After all,this is what dream's are made of. A dream come true.
God's Blessing's to Prince William and Princess Catherine Middleton.
Posted by: Kathy Towers | Jan 28, 2011 at 10:18 AM
I was happy to hear that Prince William an Kate Middleton were engaged to be married they will make a wonderful couple an they look so happy together ...
Prince William's mum would be so proud of her eldest son for finding a women like Kate to be by his side...
I wish Prince William an Kate all the best in their future an may they alway's be in love ...
The work that Prince William an Kate will have will be a long an hard but they will have each other as a couple they wll be great for our country...
So this go's out to you Prince William an Kate may god bless you two for all the good you will do for your country an people.....
I seen a sight one day to email the royal's i wish i had written it down to do so ......
Posted by: Dana Terriah | Feb 04, 2011 at 07:28 PM