Over 1,900 people invited to William’s wedding
By IANSSunday, February 20, 2011
LONDON - Over 1,900 guests have been invited to the wedding of Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Though their names have not been released, celebrities, leading politicians, heads of state and royalty from across the world are expected to attend when William and Kate exchange marriage vows April 29, The Independent reported.
The number of guests will be reduced for the lunchtime reception, where around 600 relatives, friends and dignitaries will attend at the Buckingham Palace.
The evening dinner followed by dancing will be a more intimate affair, with just 300 of the couple’s loved ones gathering at the palace.
More than 200 members of the government, parliament and diplomatic corps will be among the guests along with 60 governors general and prime ministers from the Commonwealth, and more than 40 foreign royals.
William’s charities will be represented by 80 people and 30 members of the defence services have been invited.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be at the head of the royal family group, along with the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and William’s best man, Prince Harry.
Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton will take pride of place in the abbey along with sister Pippa, her maid of honour, brother James and other relatives.
Prime Minister David Cameron with wife Samantha, and opposition leader Ed Miliband, are also likely to be on the guest list.
The couple’s friends are likely to be represented by university and schoolmates, the prince’s polo pals and his club mates.
Invites in pale brown envelopes have been sent in the past few days. The white cards are gilded along their edge with gold and the royal cypher - EIIR, the initials of the Queen, below a crown - is die-stamped on the invitation.
Below the cypher, with a space left for the guest’s name, are the words - “The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by the Queen to invite … to the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales K.G. with Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 29th April, 2011 at 11.00 a.m.”
The Lord Chamberlain’s Office is handling the ceremonial and formal elements of the wedding preparations and guests are asked to reply to his office.
The dress requirements are mentioned on the card - “uniform, morning coat or lounge suit”.
