The Way to Westminster Abbey: Details for the Royal Ceremony

As the weather starts to thaw and the seasons start to change we get ever closer to the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  Now St. James Palace, who handle the business affairs of the two princes, have released an agenda of sorts, perhaps to keep the news relevant, perhaps to make the anticipants happy, or maybe a little bit of both.

Whatever the reason, a step by step guide for April 29th has been released, detailing both the prince’s and future princess’s movements before and after they exchange wedding rings

Middleton will be traveling to 1100 BST ceremony at Westminster Abbey in a car, by way of The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square. 

Once at the abbey, The Dean of Westminster will first conduct the service, followed by the Archbishop of Canterbury who will marry William and Kate, and finally the Bishop of London will give an address to conclude the services. 

Afterwards, the newlywed couple will travel to Buckingham Palace, backtracking the way Middleton arrived earlier, however this time they will be traveling in a carriage procession.  The Queen, William’s grandmother, will host a reception for the congregation, “representing the couple’s official and private lives.”

Later in the evening the Prince of Wales will host a private dinner, with dancing, at the palace for the couple’s close friends and family.  However, there is sure to be a traditional appearance on the balcony at some point during the day, with many hoping for a public kiss similar to William’s parents on their wedding day. 

The couple, who has been said to be very much in charge of the decisions for the day, has made slight breaks in tradition so as to strike an appropriate note for the day and avoid an overly lavish appearance, such as using a car for Middleton’s arrival rather than the usual glass carriage.

It isn’t so surprising that everyone from writers to readers give such media attention to the royal wedding, not only have commemorative plates and tea towels already been produced, but the official coin design has already been released.

Venetian-5005R diamond engagement ring from Verragio

Designs for the dress Middleton wore during their engagement announcement sold out overnight, and nothing has received more attention than her engagement ring.  The sapphire and diamond ring that once belonged to Princess Diana has caused a worldwide craze for replicas and increased the popularity of sapphires.

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