The pageantry for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton began today with Great North Door of Westminster Abbey opening for the first of 1,900 invited guests and Queen Elizabeth bestowing new titles on the couple, dubbing them the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The wedding of Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1947 and the wedding of The Queen Mother in 1923 |   |
| The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wed at Westminster Abbey, after exchanging rings and vows. Watch video, play games, and learn more about the royal family:Even knowing that an immense television audience was tuning in to watch, the couple managed, at times, to appear in their own private world Friday, both at Westminster Abbey and on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. William whispered to Kate, who radiated contentment and joy, as they pledged their lives to one another at the church with the simple words “I will.” After a ceremonial tour around London, they then delivered two – not one – sweet, slightly self-conscious kisses on the balcony, with William blushing deeply at the highly anticipated event. Within moments, a flyby of vintage and modern Royal Air Force planes roared overhead. |   |
| Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge stand outside of Westminster Abbey after their Royal Wedding in London Friday, April, 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) #  |  Britain's Prince William travel with his brother Prince Harry in a Bentley to Westminster Abbey in London for his wedding, on April 29, 2011. (GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images) # |
| LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: David Beckham and Victoria Beckham arrive to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Jasper Juinen-WPA Pool/Getty Images) # |  |
| LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Prince William waves as he arrives with Prince Harry to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) # It was all pomp and pageantry that Brits still do rather well. The public felt the full weight of the royal paraphernalia as it watched a procession of horse-drawn carriages and old Bentleys roll down the Mall, while Royal Air Force planes did tricks up in the sky. And then there were the Queen's “life guards” in quaint tunics and plumed hats on majestic horses, not to mention an army of bowing-and-curtseying courtiers — and young bridesmaids as they prepared for the big moment. The whole operation — starting early morning under grey skies and winding up in time for a buffet reception at Buckingham Palace — was run with clockwork precision. Even the moment when the couple appeared on the Palace balcony for that famous public kiss was scripted — down to its duration. A record global television audience of two billion was said to have watched the wedding, while thousands from across Britain and abroad turned up in person to greet the young couple lining up the route of the procession since early morning. Children, especially little girls in frocks and images of “Kate” and “Will” and the Union Jack painted on their faces, were the most enthusiastic. Many “camped out” overnight wrapped up in sleeping bags, and were seen making tea and cooking sausages on make-shift stoves. Some royal fans had travelled to Britain especially to be part of the “experience.” Hundreds of street parties were held across Britain. Even royal-sceptics grudgingly acknowledged the occasion by holding “alternative” parties of their own. To commemorate the occasion they sold “I-am-not-a-royal-wedding-mug” mugs to rival the royal wedding mugs embossed with crude images of Kate and Wills. |
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: The car of the Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh drives along the Mall as they attend the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Sophie Winkleman, Lady Frederick Windsor arrives to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) #
BUCKLEBURY, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 29: Patricia Ford from Tamworth talks on the phone in the Village of Bucklebury on April 29, 2011 in Bucklebury, United Kingdom. The marriage of Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, to Catherine Middleton is being held in London today. The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the service which was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding and street parties are being held throughout the UK. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) #
STOCKPORT, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 29: Flags are put up as preperations for a Royal Street Party begin in the village of Marple Bridge on April 29, 2011 in Stockport, United Kingdom. The marriage of Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, to Catherine Middleton is being held in London today. The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the service which was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding and street parties are being held throughout the UK. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Catherine Middleton and her father Michael Middleton travel past Buckingham Palace as they make their way to the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) #
| General view in Westminster Abbey before the wedding of Britain's Prince William's marriage to Kate Middleton in central London April 29, 2011. (SUZANNE PLUNKETT/AFP/Getty Images) #  |  |
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Catherine Middleton arrives with her father Michael Middleton to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Catherine Middleton arrives for the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #
Kate Middleton waves as she arrives at Westminster Abbey at the Royal Wedding with Britain's Prince William in London Friday, April, 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) #
Kate Middleton arrives with her sister, Maid of Honour Philippa Middleton at the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding to Britain's Prince William, on April 29, 2011. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
A picture shows the wedding and engagement rings worn by Kate Middleton, who has been given the title The Duchess of Cambridge as she holds the bouquet of flowers of her wedding, after meeting Governors-General and Prime Ministers at Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011 in London. (IAN WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #
Kate Middleton, center, accompanied by her father Michael Middleton, right, and her sister Pippa Middleton, who is the maid of honour, enter Westminster Abbey ahead of her marriage to Britain's Prince William, London, Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Tom Pilston, Pool) #
Kate Middleton waves as she arrives with her father Michael Middleton to the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding to Britain's Prince William, on April 29, 2011. (ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images) #
Maid of honour Pippa Middleton arrives with page boys and ring bearers at Westminster Abbey at the Royal Wedding for Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton in London Friday, April, 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Page boy Tom Petiffer (R) looks up as he waits with bridesmaids and page boys inside the Westminster Abbey before the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Suzanne Plunkett - WPA Pool/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Catherine Middleton arrives to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Catherine Middleton with her father Michael Middleton and Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton is greeted by The Very Reverend Dr John Hall (C), Dean of Westminster as they arrive to attend her Royal Wedding to Prince William at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) #
Kate Middleton stands next to her father Michael at Westminster Abbey during her royal wedding with Britain's Prince William, in London on April 29, 2011. (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) #
Kate Middleton (L) arrives with her father Michael Middleton (2nd L) at Westminster Abbey in London, for her wedding to Britain's Prince William, on April 29, 2011. (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) #
Earl Spencer's daughters, Lady Amelia, Lady Eliza and Lady Kitty wait for the wedding ceremony for Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton to start inside Westminster Abbey in London on April 29, 2011. (Dave Thompson/AFP/Getty Images) #
Prince William greets Kate Middleton as she arrives at the alter with her father Michael Middleton, prior to their marriage in London's Westminster Abbey, Friday April 29 2011.(AP Photo/ Dominic Lipinski, pool) #
A general view shows Westminster Abbey during the wedding service of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton, on April 29, 2011 in London. (Dave Thompson/AFP/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Prince William sings beside his bride Catherine Middleton during their wedding at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, to Catherine Middleton is being held in London today. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Images) #
| A general view of the wedding service between Prince William and Kate Middleton, centre right, at Westminster Abbey, London, Friday April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Dominic Lipinski, Pool) # |  |
Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton exchange rings in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey, London, Friday April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Dominic Lipinski, Pool) #
Britain's Prince William places a wedding ring on the finger of his bride Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, during the wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London on April 29, 2011. (Dave Thompson/AFP/Getty Images) #
Royal fans drink at Leeds Castle in south-east England as they watch the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011. (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) #
Royal supporters celebrate after Britain's Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge's wedding service in Trafalgar Square, in London, on April 29, 2011. (GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leave Westminster Abbey following their marriage ceremony, on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, to Catherine Middleton is being held in London today. The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the service which was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding and street parties are being held throughout the UK. (Photo by Suzanne Plunkett-WPA Pool/Getty Images) #
Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, leave Westminster Abbey at the Royal Wedding in London Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer) #
Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, look at each other as they travel in the 1902 State Landau carriage along the Processional Route, to Buckingham Palace after their wedding service, in London, on April 29, 2011. (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge make the journey by carriage procession to Buckingham Palace past crowds of spectators following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) #
Royal supporters stand on a balcony along the processional route on the day of the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton, on April 29, 2011, in central London. (ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge make their way to Buckingham Palace after their wedding on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, to Catherine Middleton is being held in London today. The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the service which was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding and street parties are being held throughout the UK. (Photo by Roland Hoskins - WPA Pool/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Michael Middleton speak following the marriage of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) #
Guests leave the Westminster Abbey after the wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, in central London on April 29, 2011. (SUZANNE PLUNKETT/AFP/Getty Images) #
Carole Middleton, mother of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, travels along the processional route on the day of the wedding of Britain's Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, on April 29, 2011, in central London. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
Maid of honour Philippa Middleton smiles as the travels in a Semi-State Landau in London after the wedding service for Britain's Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, on April 29, 2011. (PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) #
Prince Harry and members of the royal wedding party follow the procession of the recently wedded their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, en route to Buckingham Palace in London on April 29, 2011. With fanfare and flags the couple were married on Friday at a moment that could reshape Britain's monarchy. (Andrew Testa/The New York Times) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Ceremonial guards stand on the day of the wedding of Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) #
Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding on April 29, 2011. (JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images) #
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II gets inside a carriage outside Westminster Abbey after the Royal Wedding for Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge in London Friday, April, 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: The procession of TRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge make the journey by along the Mall to Buckingham Palace following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: TRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge enter Buckingham Palace by carriage procession following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Catherine Middleton and her father Michael Middleton make their way to Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, to Catherine Middleton is being held in London today. The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the service which was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding and street parties are being held throughout the UK. (Photo by Roland Hoskins - WPA Pool/Getty Images) #
Britain's Prince William, right, helps his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, down the steps of the 1902 State Landau carriage as they arrive at Buckingham Palace after their wedding at Westminster Abbey, London, Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Andrew Winning, Pool) #
Britain's Prince William, second from right, and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, right, arrive at Buckingham Palace after their wedding at Westminster Abbey, London, Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Andrew Winning, Pool) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Well wishers surge along the Mall behind the police towards Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace during the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by John Stillwell-WPA Pool/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge kiss as Bridesmaid Grace Van Cutsem (L) looks at the crowd from the balcony at Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) #
| The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, consisting of a Spitfire, left, a Lancaster bomber, and a Hurricane, flies over Buckingham, Palace, as Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, appear on the balcony following their wedding in London, Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza) # |  |
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: A general view of the Mall and Victoria Memorial filled with well-wishers celebrating the Royal Wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images) #
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, meets Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard and Tim Matheison at Buckingham Palace in London after her wedding to Britian's Prince William on April 29, 2011. (IAN WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #
Kate Middleton, who has been given the title The Duchess of Cambridge arrive to meet Governors-General and Prime Ministers at Buckingham Palace in London after her wedding to Britain's Prince William on April, 29, 2011 in London. (IAN WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #
Children wearing flags walk along the Processional Route to Buckingham Palace following the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton in London on April 29, 2011. (DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge drive from Buckingham Palace in a decorated sports car on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: TRH Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge waves to well wishers as she and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge leave Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) #
Britain's Princess Elizabeth and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh are seen leaving Westminster Abbey, London, on Nov. 20, 1947, following their wedding service. (AP Photo) #
People lined up to sleep outside Westminster Abbey, London before the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh on Nov. 19, 1947. (AP Photo) #
A general view of the dense crowd massed in Trafalgar Square, London on Nov. 20, 1947, before the first of the royal wedding processions was due to pass en route to Westminster Abbey as Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh marry. South Africa House and St. Martin-in-the-fields can be seen in the background. (AP Photo) #
The glass coach, containing the royal newly-weds, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by an escort of the Household Cavalry, is seen coming up Whitehall towards Admiralty Arch on their way back to Buckingham Palace after their marriage at Westminster Abbey, London on Nov. 20, 1947. (AP Photo) #
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The bridal procession, with the sovereign's escort of Household Cavalry, is seen leaving Buckingham Palace in London for Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947. Princess Elizabeth drove with her father, King George VI in the Irish coach as she traveled to marry the Duke of Edinburgh. Buckingham Palace and the Victoria memorial can be seen in the background. (AP Photo) #
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, in this Nov. 20, 1947 photo, after their wedding. From left to right, King George VI, Princess Margaret, Lady Mary Cambridge, the bride and bridegroom, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. The Queen celebrates her 80th birthday on April 21, 2006. (AP Photo) #
A billowing flag, part of the decorations on Admiralty Arch, frames the royal bridal procession as it passes down the mall on the way to Westminster Abbey in London. In the foreground is the Irish Coach, containing the bride British Princess Elizabeth and her father, King George VI, followed by the sovereign's escort of the household cavalry, on its way to the Abbey November 20, 1947, for the upcoming marriage of Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten (Duke of Edinburgh). (AP Photo) #
H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth and H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh pose with Royal guests at Buckingham Palace in London, England, after their wedding on Nov. 20, 1947. The three boys in front, from left to right are: Prince William of Gloucestershire, Prince Michael of Kent, both pageboys, and Prince Richard of Gloucestershire. First row, from left to right, commencing third person: Princess Margaret, The Marquess of Milford Haven- the best man, the bride and bridegroom, Princess Alexandra of Kent- bridesmaid, King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Gloucestershire, the Duchess of Gloucestershire. Woman seated and woman standing behind are unidentified, Crown Prince Gustav Adolf of Sweden at far right, wearing spectacles. Second row, from left to right, commencing third person: Countess Mountbatten, the Duchess of Kent, Princess Juliana- regent of Netherlands, Queen Frederika of the Hellenes, Queen Mary, ex-Queen Ena of Spain, Queen Ingrid of Denmark, Queen Frederika of Norway, remainder unidentified. Third row, from left to right, ex-King Peter of Yugoslavia, Earl Mountbatten, Prince Bernhard of Netherlands, King Haakon of Norway, Prince George of Greece, unidentified person, King Frederik of Denmark, King Michael of Romania, remainder unidentified. (AP Photo) #
In this Nov. 20, 1947 file photo, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, places the ring on the finger of his bride, Princess Elizabeth, during their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey, in London. At bride's left is King George VI. At Philip's right is his best man, Marquis of Milford Haven. At extreme left on altar is the Earl of Mountbatten, Philip's uncle. Standing by unoccupied chair at right side of altar is Queen Elizabeth. Next to her is the Queen Mother Mary. Clarence House in London announced Tuesday Nov. 23, 2010, that Prince William will marry Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 (AP Photo/file) #
Britain's Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh walk down the aisle of Westminster Abbey, London, on Nov. 20, 1947, after their wedding service. They are followed by Prince Michael of Kent and Prince William of Gloucester holding the bridal train, the eight bridesmaids and then the bestman the Marquess of Milford Haven. (AP Photo) #
Britain's Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh kneel before the altar as they are blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Geoffrey Fisher, following their wedding service in Westminster Abbey, London, on Nov. 20, 1947. Holding the bridal train are Prince Michael of Kent and Prince William of Gloucester, and directly behind them is Princess Margaret, the bride's sister. Front seats from right to left; King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, the bride's parents and Queen Mary. (AP Photo) #
Huddled together on the pavement, opposite Westminster Abbey, London on Nov. 20, 1947, these people made sure of their positions for the Royal procession for the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. (AP Photo) #
This is the first image of the royal newly-weds H.RH. British Princess Elizabeth - Duchess of Edinburgh, and H.RH. Prince Philip - Duke of Edinburgh, in the grounds of Broadlands (the home of Earl Mountbatten, governer-general of India), at Ramsey, Hampshire, where they are spending their honeymoon, November 23, 1947. The royal couple are looking at photographs of their wedding which was held at Westminster Abbey, November 20, 1947. (AP Photo) #
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Spectacular effects fill the sky over Hyde Park, London on Tuesday, July 28, 1981, during the fireworks display to mark Royal Wedding on Wednesday. (AP Photo) #
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer drive from St. Paul's Cathedral after their wedding ceremony in London, England, July 29, 1981. (AP Photo) #
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Prince Philip and Mrs. Frances Shand Kydd (the bride's mother) driving back from St. Paul's on July,1981 in London. After the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer. (AP Photo) #
Queen Elizabeth II and Earl Spencer wave to the crowd as the drive away from St. Paul's Cathedral after the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981 in London. (AP Photo) #
A shy Lady Diana Spencer with Princes Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, after their wedding on July 29, 1981. (AP Photo) #
The 1,900 guests for the royal wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles' oldest son began arriving at the cathedral in the heart of London. The site of the wedding is the same place where Princess Diana was eulogized at her death in 1997.
A young man wears a top hat with the photograph of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, in the Mall London on July 29, 1981. (AP Photo) #
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The Royal bridal couple and their young attendants in London on July 29, 1981. Sitting left to right are Catherine Cameron, six, and Clementine Hambro, five. Standing left to right: Lord Nicholas Windsor, ten, Edward Van Cutsem, eight (both page boys), Sarah Jans Gaselee, ten, in front of India Hicks, 14, Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, Prince Andrew and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, 17. (AP Photo/Press Association) #
The Prince of Wales with his new Princess of Wales curtsying to the Queen in St. Pauls Cathedral today, July 29, 1981, after their marriage was solemnized by the Archbishop of Canterbury. (AP Photo) #
Prince Charles and his bride, Diana, Princess of Wales, smile as they ride back to Buckingham Palace in a 1902 State Postillion Landau after their wedding at London's St. Paul's Cathedral, July 29, 1981. (AP Photo)/stf #
Prince Charles and his bride Diana, Princess of Wales, march down the aisle of St. Paul's Cathedral at the end of their wedding ceremony on July 29, 1981 in London. (AP Photo) #
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer are shown on their wedding day at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981. (AP Photo) #
Prince Charles and his new bride Diana, Princess of Wales, pose for a family portrait with other members of the royal family, in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace, on their wedding day July 29, 1981. (AP Photo) #
Prince Charles and his bride Diana, Princess of Wales, pose in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace for this picture made after their wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral today. Back row, left to right: Edward van Cutsem, Lord Nicholas Windsor, Sarah Jane Gaselee, Prince Edward, Prince Charles, The Princess of Wales, Prince Andrew and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. Front row, left to right: Catherine Cameron, seated, India Hicks, standing, and Clementine Hambro, seated. (AP Photo, BIPNA, Pool) #
Prince Charles and his bride Diana, Princess of Wales, are shown on their wedding day on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, July 29, 1981. Children are unidentified. (AP Photo) #
Lady Diana Spencer arrives with her father, the Earl Spencer, at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981, for her wedding ceremony. (AP Photo) #
Prince Charles and his bride Diana, Princess of Wales, march down the aisle of St. Paul's Cathedral at the end of their wedding ceremony on July 29, 1981 in London. The bride's maids and the groom's brothers Prince Andrew, top left, and Prince Edwards, top right, march behind them. (AP Photo) #
Prince Charles and his wife Diana, the Princess of Wales, walk down the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral in London July 29, 1981, after their marriage ceremony. (AP Photo/Press Association/Pool) #
Lady Diana Spencer waves to crowds of well-wishers from a horse-drawn carriage en route to St. Paul's Cathedral, London, where she will marry Britain's Prince Charles, heir to the throne, July 29, 1981. (AP Photo/Pool) #
Prince Charles motions to lend a hand to the former Lady Diana Spencer as they enter their carrriage outside St. Paul's Cathedral at the ed of their wedding ceremony in London, July 29, 1981. (AP Photo/Pool) #
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer are shown at their wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral on July 29, 1981, in London. (AP Photo) #
The formal wedding portrait of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, taken at Buckingham Palace on July 29, 1981, after their marriage at St. Paul's Cathedral, London. (AP Photo) #
Prince Charles and his bride Diana, the new Princess of Wales, wearing a coral silk dress and matching hat, ride toward Waterloo Station in an open carriage on their way to their honeymoon at Broadlands, July 29, 1981. (AP Photo) #
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For hardcore fans of the British monarchy, sitting glued to the television with popcorn just doesn’t cut it for an occasion like a royal wedding.
Instead, hundreds of American anglophiles – armed with colorful hats, Union Jacks on sticks, and boundless enthusiasm – have flown to London to be in the thick of it, even if the throngs may make it hard to actually see the royal couple.
“Who knows when the next wedding of a future monarch will take place?” said Catie Anchin, a 29-year-old fan who arrived with her husband from Washington D.C. on Tuesday. “This is my chance to see history happen in the flesh.”
Britain hasn’t seen a royal wedding of this size since Prince Charles married Diana in 1981. Thousands of people are expected along the parade route Friday, a snaking path of less than a mile from Westminster Abbey – an iconic cathedral near London’s Big Ben and Parliament buildings – to Buckingham Palace, where the new royal couple will appear on the balcony for one of the most anticipated kisses in decades. (AP)
A new Royal photo opportunity appears on Brighton Pier on April 27, 2011 in Brighton, England. Prince William will marry Catherine Middleton in Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) #
A TV presenter reports from the Mall as British Union Jack flags hang in the street for the upcoming royal wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton, in central London, on April 27, 2011. Britain's Prince William will marry his fiance Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London, on April 29, 2011. (PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images) #
A horse drawn carriage is driven past London's Westminster Abbey on April 27, 2011, after taking part in a dress rehearsal for the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton. Up to 1,000 members of the British military attended a pre-dawn rehearsal for the royal wedding on Wednesday to ensure they get everything right on the big day. (CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images) #
An officer in the Guards makes checks during a military dress rehearsal for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in The Mall on April 27, 2011 in London, England. With only two days to go a full military rehearsal for Friday's Royal Wedding started at 2am with hundreds of police and soldiers taking part. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) #
A royal fan wraps up in his sleeping bag as he camps outside Westminster Abbey (Background) on April 27, 2011, awaiting the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton on Friday April 29. Up to 1,000 members of the British military attended a pre-dawn rehearsal for the royal wedding on Wednesday to ensure they get everything right on the big day. (CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images) #
Prince William and Kate Middleton look-a-likes pose for pictures during a-look-a-like competition sponsored by low-cost airline EasyJet in central London, on April 27, 2011. The Royal Wedding between Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton will take place at London's Westminster Abbey on April 29. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
Members of Britain's Royal Navy take part in a dress rehearsal outside London's Westminster Abbey (Background) on April 27, 2011, for the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton. Up to 1,000 members of the British military attended a pre-dawn rehearsal for the royal wedding on Wednesday to ensure they get everything right on the big day. (CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images) #
Diane Basilius, right, from Grand Rapids, Mich., smiles as she looks out of her new tent in front of Westminster Abbey in London, late Tuesday night, April 26, 2011. Basilius arrived from the U.S. for the Royal wedding and bought a tent spontaneously to camp outside the Abbey where Prince William and Kate Middleton are due to get married on Friday, April 29. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer) #
Workers carry an English field maple tree into Westminster Abbey in London in preparation for the royal wedding, Tuesday, April 26, 2011. Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry in Westminster Abbey on April 29. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, Pool) #
American broadcasters talk in a temporary studio overlooking Buckingham Palace. on April 26, 2011 in London, England. With only two full days to go before the Royal Wedding, security checks and last minute preparations are continuing around Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and on the route the couple will take. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images) #
RAF volunteers from stations across the UK, who will be acting as the lining party during the Royal Wedding, practice drills in the Parade square at RAF Holton on April 26, 2011 in Aylesbury, England. The members will make up the Queen's Colour Squadron, and will be lining the route between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey during the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #
Tourists pose for photographs on the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace (background) on April 26, 2011, ahead of the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton at London's Westminster Abbey on April 29. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
Visitor guides begin preparing the streets of the Black Country Living Museum for it's Royal Wedding Street party on April 22, 2011 in Dudley, England. The popular attraction is joining the festivities across the country with a street party in traditional style to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011. Each building and exhibit in the museum has been transported from across the region and rebuilt at the site in the north west of Birmingham. The Black Country is so called, as it references the smoke and soot that lingered in the air during it's industrial powerhouse hey day. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) #
DUDLEY, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Visitor guides PC World and school teacher Mrs Griffths begin preparing the streets of the Black Country Living Museum for it's Royal Wedding Street party on April 22, 2011 in Dudley, England. The popular attraction is joining the festivities across the country with a street party in traditional style to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011. Each building and exhibit in the museum has been transported from across the region and rebuilt at the site in the north west of Birmingham. The Black Country is so called, as it references the smoke and soot that lingered in the air during it's industrial powerhouse hey day. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) #
Tourists queue down a long stretch of road to get in Westminster Abbey on April 23, 2011, before the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images) #
A woman looks into a Westminster Abbey's shop window displaying souvenirs of Prince William and Kate Middleton, London, Friday, April 22, 2011. Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry at Westminster Abbey in London on April 29. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) #
Union flag buntings hang across Regent Street in London to celebrate the forthcoming royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Friday, April 22, 2011. Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry at Westminster Abbey in London on April 29. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) #
Drinkers stand underneath Union flags and George Cross flags bunting outside the Lamb and Flag pub in central London on April 21, 2011. With the royal wedding just over a week away, more and more businesses are beginning to decorate their premises to celebrate the occasion. (LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) #
Workers erect a media stand around the Queen Victoria Memorial in central London on April 21, 2011, in preparation for the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton at Westminister Abbey in london, on April 29, 2011. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
A Company Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards inspects guardsmen's bearskins, as they take part in an inspection ahead of the royal wedding at their barracks in Windsor, England, Thursday, April 21, 2011. Britain's Prince William is due to marry Kate Middleton on April 29. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) #
Barmaid Cheryl Everett pulls a pint of Royal Wedding Celebration Ale in the Vansittart Arms pub in Windsor, England, Thursday, April 21, 2011. Britain's Prince William is due to marry Kate Middleton on April 29. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) #
Guardsman Bortnill St Ange (R) is measured for his uniform by master Taylor Lance Sergeant Matthew Else (L) at Victoria barracks in Windsor on April 21, 2011. Irish Guards soldiers who have recently returned from Afghanistan are preparing for ceremonial duties as the Queens Guards ahead of the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011. Prince William is the Colonel of the Irish Guards. (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images) #
Union flag bunting are put up by workers on a street near Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Thursday, April 21, 2011 ahead of the royal wedding. Britain's Prince William is due to marry Kate Middleton on April 29. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) #
Tourists relax in the gardens outside Westminster Abbey on April 22, 2011, before the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. (CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images) #
A soldier from the Irish Guards has his uniform inspected during an official inspection at Victoria barracks in Windsor on April 21, 2011. Irish Guards soldiers who have recently returned from Afghanistan are preparing for ceremonial duties as the Queens Guards ahead of the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011. Prince William is the Colonel of the Irish Guards. (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images) #
Members of the King's Troop Royal Artillery perform a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park in central London, on April 21, 2011. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 85th birthday by visiting London's Westminster Abbey, days before her grandson Prince William is married there.The monarch was to attend the Royal Maundy service, an Easter tradition whereby the sovereign gives out specially-minted silver coins to the elderly. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
Workers continue to built a covered walkway and stand at the Queen Victoria Memorial garden outside Buckingham Palace in London in preparation for the royal wedding, Thursday, April 21, 2011. Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry at Westminster Abbey in London on April 29. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) #
As part of the preparations for the upcoming royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton, British Army's Foot Guards of the Household Division, prepare their uniforms for the Changing of the Guard in their barracks near Buckingham Palace, central London, Wednesday, April 20, 2011. Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton will get married on April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) #
British Union Jack flags are pictured on London's Regent Street on April 20, 2011, in preparation for the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton at Westminister Abbey on April 29, 2011. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
Members of the Scots Guards (2nd L) and The Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment (L) march together during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace on April 20, 2011, in London. Soldiers guard Queen Elizabeth II and other royals at Buckingham Palace in a 24 hour rotation with a ceremonial hand over at 11.30 in the morning. Various members of Britain's armed forces will take part in aspects of the Royal Wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton in London's Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. (PETER MACDIARMID/AFP/Getty Images) #
British Union Jack flags are pictured on London's Regent Street on April 20, 2011, in preparation for the royal wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton at Westminister Abbey on April 29, 2011. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
A woman holds a tea bag with the portrait of Kate Middleton on April 20, 2011 in Hamburg, northern Germany. The tea speciality "Katea & William" depicts Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate on its bags and is being created at a Hamburg backyard. The Royal Wedding of William and Kate will take place on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London. (MARCUS BRANDT/AFP/Getty Images) #
Master Tailor WO2 Stephen Shield (2nd L) works on a ceremonial tunic in the Tailor's Shop at Wellington Barracks in central London, on April 20, 2011. Soldiers from the Barracks will take part in various aspects of the Royal Wedding between Britain's Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton in London's Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. (LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) #
British police officers carry out security checks on the media stand outside the Queen Elizabeth 2 centre in central London, on April 19, 2011. The marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton will be covered by a giant security operation as police go on high alert against the threats of a terror attack and anarchist activism. The April 29 wedding in Westminster Abbey will see a major lockdown enveloping large parts of London, aimed at keeping both the royals and the public safe, with thousands expected to line the streets. (LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) #
A Metropolitan Police officer carries out security checks on drains and lamp posts along the Mall ahead of the forthcoming Royal wedding on April 14, 2011 in London, United Kingdom. The police operation ahead of the Royal Wedding, where Prince William will marry his long term girlfriend Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011 in Westminster Abbey is already estimated to be costing around £20 million and the biggest concern is thought not to be from terrorist groups but from those obsessed with the British Royal family. (Photo by Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool/Getty images) #
Metropolitan Police officers carry out security checks on drains and lamp posts along the Mall ahead of the forthcoming Royal wedding on April 14, 2011 in London, United Kingdom. The police operation ahead of the Royal Wedding, where Prince William will marry his long term girlfriend Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011 in Westminster Abbey is already estimated to be costing around £20 million and the biggest concern is thought not to be from terrorist groups but from those obsessed with the British Royal family. (Photo by Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool/Getty images) #
Choristers, front row left, Archie Buchanan, Hal Arnold-Forster and Edward Daly members of the Choir of Her Majesty's Chapel Royal, wearing their State Coats, rehrase in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace, in London, Monday April 18, 2011. The Choir are to perform in Westminster Abbey at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29.(AP Photo/Dominic Lipinski-pa) #
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A group of Troopers of the Household Cavalry muck out the stables at the Knightsbridge Barracks in central London, on April 15, 2011. Members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will escort Prince William and Kate Middleton through London on the day of the Royal Wedding on April 29, 2011. (JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images) #
A soldier of the Household Cavalry polishes his own kit during a media event at the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment's Hyde Park barracks in London, Friday, April, 15, 2011. It will take some 60 hours to polish all the kit for man and horse for ceremonial work such as the State Opening of Parliament and the Royal Wedding. The mounted regiment will provide close the escort for the major members of the British Royal family during the upcoming Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) #
A doorman walks to a black cab outside the Goring Hotel in London, Friday, April 15, 2011. It was announced Friday that Kate Middleton and her immediate family will stay at the Goring Hotel the night before her wedding to Britain's Prince William on April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) #
A member of the Lifeguards Household Cavalry prepares to mount his horse as the Household Cavalry prepares for the royal wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton, at Hyde Park Barracks in central London, on April 15, 2011. Britain's Prince William, the second in line to the throne, will marry his fiancee Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London. The wedding is set to be Britain's biggest royal wedding since William's parents, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, married in 1981. April 29 has been made a public holiday throughout the kingdom. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) #
