Royal wedding details: Archbishop in key role
LONDON — Palace officials said Wednesday that Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will preside at the April 29 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
They also said the newlyweds will travel from the wedding at Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace by carriage in a festive procession that will include several of London’s major landmarks.
The route through Parliament Square, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade and the Mall is likely to be thronged with well-wishers anxious for a glimpse of the couple, who are expected to make a brief appearance on the palace balcony once they arrive.
Next will come a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother.
Officials said the guest list will be drawn from the wedding congregation and will include representatives from the couple’s official and private lives.
Prince Charles’ office announced that he will host a dinner and dance for his son William and his new bride that night at Buckingham Palace. The couple’s close friends and family will be invited, Charles’ office said.
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The official wedding update also specified that the wedding ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Middleton will arrive by car, officials said.
The palace said the Dean of Westminster will conduct the service and the Bishop of London will give the address.
Charles’ representatives said further details will be announced as the wedding date nears.
There has been much speculation about Middleton’s choice of a designer for her wedding gown, and about the guest list and entertainment choices, but no firm details have emerged.