St James Palace has disclosed preliminary plans for the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton in April this year.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will marry the couple at Westminster Abbey, with a service beginning at 11:00 it has been confirmed. The Dean of Westminster will conduct the service, and the Bishop of London will give the address.

However, in a break with tradition, Miss Middleton will travel to the ceremony by car.

The couple have opted to dispense with the customary glass carriage – as used in previous royal weddings – given the present spirit of austerity in the United Kingdom.

The couple will, however, return to Buckingham Palace in a glass carriage along Parliament Square, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade and The Mall to be greeted by the Queen.

Her Majesty will then host a reception at Buckingham Palace, where the couple will be expected to greet well wishers from the balcony.

A private dinner with dancing in the evening will be hosted by the Prince of Wales, with guests from the congregation “representing the couple’s official and private lives” invited.

Royal Wedding

Following a courtship of over eight years, the Prince proposed on a holiday to Kenya in October last year.

Prince William proposed using his mother Diana’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

An official public holiday across the UK will be staged across the UK to commemorate the occasion.

Archbishop

The Archbishop of Canterbury had married all previous monarchs-to-be so the decision to choose Dr Rowan Williams was not a surprise.

However, there had been a suggestion in some quarters the Bishop of London - the Rt Rev Richard Chartres - might be chosen instead on this occasion as he is close to Prince Charles and counselled him after the death of Diana.