Never-before-seen photograph of Wills and Kate shows their excitement at engagement

By Lydia Warren


Relaxed and looking forward to their big day, the Mario Testino portrait of Prince William and Kate Middleton, as she was then


With wide smiles, they can barely conceal the excitement of their newly-announced engagement.

In this never-before-seen photograph, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appear close and relaxed – thrilled by thoughts of their impending big day.

The photograph, taken by Mario Testino, graces the July cover of Vanity Fair.


It includes further portraits by Testino, such as the iconic picture of Princess Diana in 1997.

The Peruvian photographer took William and Kate’s engagement pictures at St James’ Palace last November.

Though William, Prince Harry and the Prince of Wales have all turned to Testino for pictures to commemorate milestones, the celebrated fashion photographer had never before captured Miss Middleton.

But speaking the Mail On Sunday's Katie Nicholl for the accompany interview in U.S. Vogue, he said he already felt ‘very confident’ she would be an ‘easy sitter’ because of her natural grace.

And last week, speaking at a gala in his honour in New York, the 56-year-old said he understood why he was chosen to take the photographs.

Testino, a close friend of Diana’s, said: ‘I guess it was a way for them to keep William’s mother in the whole process of it.’

Despite the pressure of the shoot, Testino said the Duchess ‘looked fabulous’ and that the couple exuded ‘sheer happiness’.

He added: ‘They are a young couple in love.’

Portraits: Mario Testino (left) took Prince William and the then Kate Milddleton's official engagement picture (right) in 2010


The edition will lift the lid on the couple’s house-hunting and who does the chores around their Anglesey home.

It describes the pair’s giggles as they watched their nuptials back on television, and recounts the moment Michael Middleton realised the relationship was serious – when Prince William arrived at his Berkshire home by helicopter.

It also recalls the rather surprising requests the pair had for their honeymoon suite – including Philadelphia cream cheese and Brussel sprouts.

The July issue of Vanity Fair will be on news-stands on June 3, ahead of the newly-weds’ trip to Canada and California in July.



source:dailymail

Prince William & Kate Meet

Prince William & Kate Meet  of the Royal couple!
On Tuesday, Prince William and Kate will meet with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace before a luncheon hosted by Queen Elizabeth.
According to the people, and the meeting lasts about 20 minutes and held at Buckingham Palace in 1844 a room. Kate reportedly wearing a dress of Reims, which will cost $ 280.
Greetings to meet with Obama and the couple's first duty since his return from visiting the 10-day honeymoon to the Seychelles.
Not Wills and Kate was originally planned to attend the lunch, which included more than 200 Royals and other dignitaries.
Obama reportedly spent two nights at Buckingham Palace before continuing to tour in Europe.
According to NBC News, Obama lived in the same room suite of six that Prince William and Kate had their wedding night

Prince William

Prince William And speculated that, in spite of constant pressure, Prince William and Kate Middleton may have to wait a bit before they have kids.
Reports, how to think through things and not rush into anything serious, and children, and the State PopEater. Taking also into account the busy schedules of new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, you do not have the time to even think about not getting pregnant.
Some think these two will be too long to move forward with a family that Prince Harry will be the first child.
Do you think it will work in a family soon?

It's back to work: Days after two billion watched his wedding, Prince William returns to the day job

By Daily Mail Reporter


Prince William returning to his RAF Valley in Anglesey today, days after his wedding was watched by two billion around the world


A few days ago his every move was watched by an estimated two billion people.

But today it was back to more familiar territory as Prince William returned to work at his RAF base in Anglesey.

Wearing sunglasses he was behind the steering wheel of an Audi seen arriving at the Air and Sea Rescue HQ.

Wearing sunglasses, Prince William drove into the Air and Sea Rescue HQ at RAF Valley


It was thought Prince William and his bride would honeymoon this week until it emerged that the new Duke of Cambridge had to return to work.

Despite his status as second in line to the throne he, like his colleagues, had to apply for leave like his colleagues.

He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail revealed this week that the couple are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to a tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave.

As her son-in-law returned to work, Carole Middleton and daughter Pippa were seen arriving back at their Berkshire home

Prince William had to delay his honeymoon as he was ordered to split his leave requests with colleagues


The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The Prince is not the only wedding guest who returned to their everyday life just days after the global event of the Royal Wedding.

Five days ago the Queen was the proud grandmother overseeing a wedding watched by two billion people.

But after the bank holiday it was back to the daily routine for the monarch yesterday as she visited Newmarket, Cambridge.


Refreshed: Five days after the wedding the Queen met children at Newmarket Day Centre


source:dailymail

It's back to work: Days after two billion watched his wedding, Prince William returns to the day job

By Daily Mail Reporter


Prince William returning to his RAF Valley in Anglesey today, days after his wedding was watched by two billion around the world


A few days ago his every move was watched by an estimated two billion people.

But today it was back to more familiar territory as Prince William returned to work at his RAF base in Anglesey.

Wearing sunglasses he was behind the steering wheel of an Audi seen arriving at the Air and Sea Rescue HQ.

Wearing sunglasses, Prince William drove into the Air and Sea Rescue HQ at RAF Valley


It was thought Prince William and his bride would honeymoon this week until it emerged that the new Duke of Cambridge had to return to work.

Despite his status as second in line to the throne he, like his colleagues, had to apply for leave like his colleagues.

He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail revealed this week that the couple are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to a tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave.

As her son-in-law returned to work, Carole Middleton and daughter Pippa were seen arriving back at their Berkshire home

Prince William had to delay his honeymoon as he was ordered to split his leave requests with colleagues


The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The Prince is not the only wedding guest who returned to their everyday life just days after the global event of the Royal Wedding.

Five days ago the Queen was the proud grandmother overseeing a wedding watched by two billion people.

But after the bank holiday it was back to the daily routine for the monarch yesterday as she visited Newmarket, Cambridge.


Refreshed: Five days after the wedding the Queen met children at Newmarket Day Centre


source:dailymail

It's back to work: Days after two billion watched his wedding, Prince William returns to the day job

By Daily Mail Reporter


Prince William returning to his RAF Valley in Anglesey today, days after his wedding was watched by two billion around the world


A few days ago his every move was watched by an estimated two billion people.

But today it was back to more familiar territory as Prince William returned to work at his RAF base in Anglesey.

Wearing sunglasses he was behind the steering wheel of an Audi seen arriving at the Air and Sea Rescue HQ.

Wearing sunglasses, Prince William drove into the Air and Sea Rescue HQ at RAF Valley


It was thought Prince William and his bride would honeymoon this week until it emerged that the new Duke of Cambridge had to return to work.

Despite his status as second in line to the throne he, like his colleagues, had to apply for leave like his colleagues.

He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail revealed this week that the couple are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to a tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave.

As her son-in-law returned to work, Carole Middleton and daughter Pippa were seen arriving back at their Berkshire home

Prince William had to delay his honeymoon as he was ordered to split his leave requests with colleagues


The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The Prince is not the only wedding guest who returned to their everyday life just days after the global event of the Royal Wedding.

Five days ago the Queen was the proud grandmother overseeing a wedding watched by two billion people.

But after the bank holiday it was back to the daily routine for the monarch yesterday as she visited Newmarket, Cambridge.


Refreshed: Five days after the wedding the Queen met children at Newmarket Day Centre


source:dailymail

It's back to work: Days after two billion watched his wedding, Prince William returns to the day job

By Daily Mail Reporter


Prince William returning to his RAF Valley in Anglesey today, days after his wedding was watched by two billion around the world


A few days ago his every move was watched by an estimated two billion people.

But today it was back to more familiar territory as Prince William returned to work at his RAF base in Anglesey.

Wearing sunglasses he was behind the steering wheel of an Audi seen arriving at the Air and Sea Rescue HQ.

Wearing sunglasses, Prince William drove into the Air and Sea Rescue HQ at RAF Valley


It was thought Prince William and his bride would honeymoon this week until it emerged that the new Duke of Cambridge had to return to work.

Despite his status as second in line to the throne he, like his colleagues, had to apply for leave like his colleagues.

He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail revealed this week that the couple are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to a tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave.

As her son-in-law returned to work, Carole Middleton and daughter Pippa were seen arriving back at their Berkshire home

Prince William had to delay his honeymoon as he was ordered to split his leave requests with colleagues


The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The Prince is not the only wedding guest who returned to their everyday life just days after the global event of the Royal Wedding.

Five days ago the Queen was the proud grandmother overseeing a wedding watched by two billion people.

But after the bank holiday it was back to the daily routine for the monarch yesterday as she visited Newmarket, Cambridge.


Refreshed: Five days after the wedding the Queen met children at Newmarket Day Centre


source:dailymail

Katrina Kaif more suitable for Prince William than Kate Middleton

The much talked about marriage between Prince William and Kate Middleton might be over, but the reports are not. On the contrary, there are a lot of interesting reports coming up. Taking the opportunity of this hyped marriage, a survey was conducted amongst the Indian community asking who would make a better bride for the Prince from Indian celebrities.

Katrina Kaif, Sonakshi Sinha and Priyanka Chopra were the three options for them to choose from. A staggering 75% of the 8000 voters went for Katrina Kaif. Priyanka Chopra stood second with more than 16% of votes while the remaining votes went to the relatively newer Sonakshi.

However, when it came to replying to the same question without having any options, it was the Bengali beauty Sushmita Sen who was the ultimate and unanimous choice for Price William. This question was posted on social networking platforms.

Kate Middleton Wedding Dress Designer

The Alexander McQueen designer made Kate Middleton's wedding dress.

Burton was long-rumored to be the dressmaker, with buzz starting in March that she'd been tapped for the job. The Sunday Times of London first claimed Burton was The Chosen One and the rest of the British newspapers and, of course, Twitter really went to town.

But, Burton squelched the speculation, telling Vogue UK, "I am not doing it," and McQueen CEO Jonathan Akeroyd, who was said to have leaked the news to a colleague, which then ended up in the Times, denied the reports, remarking, "No, not at all. I am the CEO. I would know if we were doing it.

Prep for the Royal Wedding...

Prep for the Royal Wedding…









Prince William & Catherine Middleton Friday 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey





Achieve Bridal Beauty with Celebrity Hairstylist Natasha Sunshine of LA’s Byu-Ti Salon

· Princess- to-be Kate Middleton has a classic au naturale style and loves to wear her long beautiful brown hair down. But for the wedding, Celebrity Hairstylist Natasha Sunshine suggests a classic chignon that will emphasize her face shape and eyes, showing off her neck, shoulders and jewels. “I think with a little height at the hairline and a swooping bang she will look gorgeous! I’ve always loved this style, and it is the perfect low key yet elegant ‘do.”


o Wash your hair the day before. This will allow the oils from your scalp to travel through your hair and will create shine and create a more manageable texture.

o Use mousse to create fullness. Natasha’s favorite is Pureology's ColourStylist Silk Bodifier.

o Tease the root of your bangs with a comb and gently comb through to create your shape. Use your fingers if you have to with a touch of Pureology's Strengthening Control Hairspray on your fingertips.

o Brush your hair back and smooth into a ponytail and create a knot. Add hair accessories to hide any unwanted hairs around the knot. It will also add something interesting to your look. Or simple use bobby pins to secure your knot.

· As Founder of Santa Monica’s premier hair boutique, Byu-Ti Salon, Natasha has run her fingers through some of Hollywood’s most notable manes, including that of Ivanka Trump, Molly Sims and Eva Herzigova. Known in the Los Angeles and New York City fashion circles for her keen sense of style and unique approach to hair therapy, Natasha not only created a six-step consulting system for helping her staff identify and meet her client’s needs, she has also developed her own seven different hair care products, to supplement the line of top notch goodies already in use at her salon.

BYU-TI HAIR THERAPY SALON

510 Wilshire Blvd

Santa Monica, CA 90401

www.byu-ti.com



ACCESSORIZE ON THAT SPECIAL DAY WITH CHRISTOPHER FISCHER (www.christopherfischer.com)





· Beyond the gown, a bride has many fashion must-haves — and fashion designer Christopher Fischer has the perfect complement to any wedding wardrobe. Accessories by Christopher Fischer such as the Brixie Scarf will help keep any princess-to-be warm on her special day.

· Known as The Cashmere House, Christopher Fischer uses only pure and natural luxury fibers, including cashmere, silk, cotton, linen, and fine wools, and designs sweaters and accessories that combine all the very best qualities of purity, style, value, color, and fit. Christopher Fischer Cashmere isn't just a company—it represents an entire cashmere lifestyle.

· The Christopher Fischer Collection comprises three different looks : Black Label is a modern and innovative knitwear collection with a designer outlook, Orange Label features easy to wear pieces that combine fashion with a casual style, and Gray Label are the must-have essentials that you need every day.

· Christopher Fischer is available in leading specialty and department stores throughout the world, as well as his own boutiques in New York City Southampton, East Hampton and Greenwich, CT.



TOAST IN LONDON-STYLE WITH AUTOMAT ALMADA




· Toast to the newlyweds and London hotspots Automat and Almada, located in the heart of Mayfair.

· Arriving in London six years ago, Carlos Almada had a vision to create a venue with New York style for international trendsetters as a cultural exchange between the world's two greatest cities – New York and London – “It’s all about New Yorkers,” Almada explains. Today, Carlos has successfully created two hip London venues that are always buzzing with star power!

· Fusing London's pleasure-seeking social appetite with New York's inimitable style, Automat is an American Brasserie that draws on those facets of New York's cultural and social life so beloved by Londoners, presenting a brand new venue for relaxed, stylish dining. Automat serves classic American fare with such signature favorites as Mac & Cheese to imported Nebraska USDA grade beef.

· Almada, located on the same property but on Berkeley Street, is a fine dining silver service restaurant that blends a 1920s New York style with ‘old school’ California glamour.

AUTOMAT ALMADA
33 Dover Street 17 Berkeley Street
London W1S 4NF, London W1J 8EA,

United Kingdom United Kingdom

www.automat-london.com www.almada.co.uk



KEEP THE GOWN MEMORABLE WITH MADAME PAULETTE® (www.madamepaulette.com)

· A bride’s best-kept-secret, Madame Paulette® offers state-of-the-art, unrivaled cleaning, tailoring, restoration and preservation services for its clientele, achieving the status of being the finest Custom Couture Cleaner in the world.


· Madame Paulette® provides professional alterations for brides– from the smallest repair to major adjustments; services include replacing zippers and buttons, making size alterations, shortening and lengthening hems, and much more – ensuring that your walk down the aisle is complete with a one-of-a-kind dress that is a perfect fit.

· Madame Paulette® takes great pride in helping to preserve a bride’s most special memories. After cleaning and fully restoring a wedding gown to pristine conditions, the dress is handled personally by a member of the MP team – with cotton gloves – and stuffed with/wrapped in acid-free tissue paper (to prevent any creasing) and placed in a MP box that contains no glue in the construction. In addition, each bride is given Madame Paulette’s Preservation Guideline for Bridal Gowns that instruct brides on how to preserve their special gown for a lifetime. Bridal gowns can also be stored in Madame Paulette’s secure, climate-controlled vault.

· Madame Paulette® works with many world-renowned bridal designers such as Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Amsale, Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior, Badgley Mischka, Angel Sanchez, Oscar de la Renta, and many more. Celebrity brides that have commissioned Madame Paulette’s services include Melania Trump, Alicia Keys, Kate Hudson, Chelsea Clinton, Melissa Ethridge, Faith Hill, and Mariska Hargitay, among others. The Madame Paulette organization has also been honored with such impressive commissions as the restoration of Princess Diana’s gowns.

Flagship Location 1255 Second Avenue
New York City

ShesDaily.com

Disclosure: the above publication is for informational and entertainemt purposes only and it is courtesy of PR.

'Last day of freedom': Biker Wills speeds off for final kickabout as single man

By Fay Schlesinger and Richard Simpson


Easy rider: William roars out of Clarence House on his beloved Ducati as he went to spend one of his last nights as a bachelor by playing five-a-side football with the boys


Prince William has already confessed that his knees are ‘tapping quite nervously’ as his wedding day approaches.

But nerves did not stop the 28-year-old jumping on his motorbike to spend one of his last nights as a bachelor by playing five-a-side football with the boys.

During a kick-about in a South London park at 10pm on Tuesday, one of William’s friends was overheard referring to his ‘last day of freedom’.


At one point, a team-mate wearing a baseball cap and blue shirt grabbed his arm and bounced the football off the back of his head while the others laughed and jeered.

A second friend then took over, throwing the ball at William’s growing bald patch.

The prince seemed embarrassed by the spectacle and bowed his head in an attempt to shrug off the attention.

Wearing England shorts, a black shirt and socks in the colour of his favourite team, Aston Villa, he sprinted around the park playing central defence to shouts of ‘William’ and ‘Wills’.

Playing with the boys: William looks exhausted as he's flanked by friends after the kick-about in a South London park. One of William's friends was overheard referring to his 'last day of freedom'


Four royal protection officers stood on the sidelines – and even ran off to collect the ball when it soared over a fence.

The 45-minute kickabout is a regular fixture for William whenever he has time off from working as a search and rescue pilot in Anglesey, North Wales.

If his bride-to-be had grumbled about how a sliding tackle could ruin the wedding by leaving him with grazes or even a broken leg, the prince did not let it affect his evening.

But he decided to forgo the usual trip to a pub in Battersea following the game.

Instead, he returned to St James’s Palace on the black £15,000, 180mph Ducati superbike which is his pride and joy.

Pensive: William looked thoughtful as he played football with a group of friends. Perhaps he was having some last-minute jitters


The prince is often spotted zooming around the country roads of Anglesey with Kate riding pillion.

He even has patriotic knee protectors decorated with the England flag.

But last year his father Prince Charles told of his fears about the dangers of the high-powered machines, which are also popular with Prince Harry.

At a reception in December, Charles said: ‘I always worry about them. It’s about other cars not being able to see you. I’m always telling my sons that.’


source:dailymail

Long may she rain! Slimline Kate Middleton gets into shape as she braves the elements for last engagement ahead of big day

By Daily Mail Reporter


Her royal dryness: Kate Middleton braves the rain on a trip to Darwen, Lancashire today


Like any bride wanting to look her best, Kate Middleton appears to have shed a few pounds ahead of her big day.

Looking more slimline than ever, the future Royal was joined by Prince William on their last official engagement together before the royal wedding, braving the rain to attend the opening of a school in Darwen, Lancashire.

Kate, holding her own oversized black umbrella, opted for a subtle but notable sartorial transformation.

Joining the ranks of predecessors including Diana and Jackie O, she wore a smart navy blue fitted jacket, matching skirt and high heels - a look that cements her status as style queen.


Gone is the floaty, A-line silhouette she has come to favour and its place a streamlined shape suit.

Her hair was styled half up half down amid recent speculation that this could be the look she chooses on her wedding day.

Miss Middleton has yet to invest in the see-through umbrellas used by the Queen, which allow her to be easily seen.

Getting in shape: Kate has lost weight as last-minute nerves kick in ahead of the big day and is certainly thinner than she was back in 2005


Instead Kate carried a very large black one, lifting it higher up so she could be seen by the crowds outside the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.

The Queen's distinctive Fulton birdcage design umbrellas feature a coloured rim which the company produces in exclusive colours for her so she can match them exactly to her outfit.

Union and St George Cross flags flew outside many shops and pubs in the east Lancashire town of Darwen to greet the couple.

William and Kate arrived at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy on the first leg of their day-long visit to the area as hundreds of well-wishers lined outside in the heavy rain


William and Kate arrived at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy on the first leg of their day-long visit to the area as hundreds of well-wishers lined outside in the heavy rain.

They are expected to be met by crowds of thousands on their second and final engagement at nearby Witton Country Park in Blackburn.

William will officially open the academy where he will also launch an award scheme and later observe a sports display in the park with his fiancee

At the academy in the heart of the town, the couple were welcomed by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Sheila Williams, the chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Graham Burgess, and Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry.

They were then greeted by the principal of the independent non-fee-paying school, Brendan Loughran, and its sponsor Rod Aldridge, former executive chairman of Capita.

William will officially open the academy where he will also launch an award scheme and later observe a sports display in the park with his fiancee


A tour of the academy followed to highlight its focus on entrepreneurial skills which are embedded in its curriculum.

William will launch the SkillForce Prince's Award and give a short address on the scheme and the work of the academy to students, parents, governors and staff.

SkillForce is an education charity which has William as its patron and from summer 2012 it will present the new honour to teenagers who show significant character or make a major contribution to their community.

Hair apparent: Kate's hair was styled half up half down amid recent speculation that this could be the look she chooses on her wedding day


More than 100 accredited newspaper, TV and radio journalists were covering the academy visit including representatives from the United States, Australia, France, Germany and Norway.

Later, William and Miss Middleton will visit Witton Country Park as part of the Prince's role as patron of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

The initiative aims to protect permanently 2,012 outdoor recreational spaces across the UK and demonstrate the importance of green spaces for sport.

The couple will meet local civic dignitaries, view sports activities on the athletics field and see youngsters taking part in a football skills session.

Anticipation: Crowds line up outside Darwen Community Academy ahead of the couple's visit


Miss Middleton will also be invited to start a 100 metres race and meet a group of athletes and coaches.

The couple will also see some young people participating in disabled cycling activities.

Recently the pair have met well-wishers in Anglesey in Wales, visited their former university St Andrews in Scotland and flown to Belfast in Northern Ireland.

The Prince, 28, who is based at RAF Valley, Anglesey, in his role as a full-time RAF Search and Rescue Pilot, and Miss Middleton, 29, will marry on April 29.

Their wedding day will be an official public holiday across the UK.

Little princesses: Two young fans hold Union Jacks of the Royal couple


source:dailymail

Nearly 1,000 staff will be used by the BBC to cover William and Kate's wedding

By Paul Revoir


The big day: The BBC are expected to be dedicating up to 1,000 members of staff to cover the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William


The BBC is to dedicate the best part of a thousand staff to covering the Royal Wedding, it has emerged.

The corporation's bill for broadcasting the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton will run into excess of a £1million, with a sizeable chunk of that going on the army of staff it will be using.

Once again it will dwarf the numbers of workers being used by rivals ITV and Sky News who will have a fraction of the staff on the day.


In total there is expected to be 850 BBC workers covering the event, many in London along the route, but also some getting reaction from other locations in the UK. This includes staff for TV, radio and online.

The BBC has defended the numbers claiming that as host broadcaster it will be responsible for beaming images out around the globe and that the wedding is likely to be the most viewed event of the century.

There will be 550 BBC workers covering the actual event, following the route and the ceremony, with Huw Edwards as the corporation's main presenter.

There is expected to be a further 300 news staff who will be providing separate reports from around Britain.

This includes staff from BBC Breakfast, the Today programme and Radio 5 Live.

Commentators: DJ Fearne Cotton and The One Show host Alex Jones will be covering the Royal Wedding


This compares with 437 staff the BBC sent to the 2008 Olympics in BeiJing and the 295 sent to last year's football World Cup in South Africa.

As well as Edwards, Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth will be at the heart of the BBC's coverage, which will also see Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton and One Show presenter Alex Jones given presenting roles.

The wedding is expected to be watched by a global audience of two billion.

A BBC spokesman said: 'The Royal Wedding is likely to be the most watched event of the century so far and the BBC is proud to be the host broadcaster.

'Final numbers have yet to be confirmed, but we expect to have 550 people working on the day to bring high quality and distinctive coverage of this special event to a wide audience at home and abroad across TV, Radio and Online.

'In addition BBC News will provide separate reports across the UK and numbers for this are yet to be finalised.'

The venue: Hundreds of BBC staff will be covering the wedding route up to Westminster Abbey


source:dailymail

Not by Royal appointment! Ashtrays, teabags and even fridge freezers... the ghastly tat marking Wills and Kate's big day

By DAILY MAIL

Come on, Granny, get out your needles and start knitting royal dolls - or even your very own miniature corgi, £9.99, ivypress.co.uk


From cufflinks to condoms, no Royal wedding would be complete without a collection of souvenirs even the most ardent royalist would do well to love.

Here the Mail outlines some of the very best (or worse)... and where you can get them.



Throw salt over your shoulder to bring the lovebirds luck with this cruet set, £6.99, ebay.co.uk





Gentlemen, these gold-effect cufflinks, with images of the happy couple, guarantee a classy wedding-day look, £9.99, cuffsncollars.co.uk


If the fawning wedding coverage doesn't satiate your sweet tooth, this fudge will hit the spot, £1.50, ebay.co.uk


The royal couple will want an heir and a spare. For the rest of us, there are souvenir condoms. £5, crownjewelscondoms.com





These teabags put Wills and Kate into hot water, but let's hope their relationship never is, £4.30, donkey-products.com


Stub out your wedding fever altogether with this ashtray, £3.99, gift-flair.co.uk


So dim you need a book to explain the wedding? This is for you... £6, dummies.com


Nail the royal wedding look with these works of art, £6.99, eBay.co.uk


Even the youngest patriots can join the celebrations with this Happyland Royal Wedding set, £15, Early Learning Centre





What cake lover could say no to this sponge creation? Even if it does look nothing like Wills. Or Kate. Price varies, michellesugarart.co.uk





source: dailymail