The Royal Wedding

The Royal Wedding Itinerary

The Royal Wedding Ceremony commences at Westminster Abbey at 11 am. Kate Middleton will break with tradition and arrive at the wedding travelling by car, not in a special royal carriage.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams will conduct the ceremony. The Royal newly weds will emerge from Westminster Abbey to ride in a carriage, in a gala procession to Buckingham Palace.

The route, which will take them through the heart of ceremonial London, is expected to be lined with a huge crowd of well-wishers hoping for a glimpse of the royal couple.

On arrival at Buckingham Palace, the couple plan to make a brief public appearance on the main balcony. "We're hoping obviously for a balcony appearance and a kiss on the balcony," said royal commentator Dickie Arbiter.

Once The Royal Couple retreat inside Buckingham Palace, the newlyweds will be the guests of honour at a reception hosted by William's Grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

A concert in Hyde Park has been proposed.

The Royal Engagement Ring

Following the announcement that Prince William will marry Kate Middleton next year, Clarence House has confirmed that the Prince has given Kate the 18-carat white gold engagement ring worn by his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales. The ring - which features a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire and diamonds - was designed by British jewellery house Garrard and was selected by Lady Diana Spencer from a selection presented to her by the then-Crown jewellers for her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981. Although it was valued at £28,500 at the time, it was an unusual choice by a member of the Royal Family as it was not unique and any member of the public could buy the same ring from the Garrard catalogue. Prince William is said to have chosen the ring as a way to include his mother in the excitement of his proposal.