Today, Kate Middleton was welcomed by cheering crowds at Westminster Abbey, just a day prior to her marriage to Prince William.
She was accompanied by Prince Harry, the best man, along with bridesmaids, pageboys, and members of her family for a final rehearsal ahead of the monumental day, which will be viewed by two billion people worldwide.
While the last run-through was in progress, it became known that Miss Middleton will not include a promise to ‘obey’ Prince William in her vows.
Outside the Abbey, thousands of royal enthusiasts had set up tents, creating a festive atmosphere.
As Kate made her appearance this morning, a thunderous cheer erupted from the royal supporters who had traveled from all corners of the globe.
With their Union flags waving, the crowd briefly waved to the passing Household Cavalry this morning before the bride-to-be
arrived for her final rehearsal.
According to St James’s Palace, this will be the last visit for Miss Middleton or any member of the Royal Family to the abbey before the ceremony commences tomorrow.
Today, the journalist who conducted the couple’s engagement interview mentioned they were trying to ‘ignore the fear of being watched by two billion people’ in just a few hours.
In a personal note to supporters, the couple expressed they felt ‘incredibly moved’ by the outpouring of affection since their engagement, featured in the official wedding program.
Tomorrow, the modern-thinking Miss Middleton will vow to ‘love, comfort, honour and keep’ William, with the complete vows detailed below.
The soon-to-be royal mirrors the choice made by Princess Diana, who also chose not to include ‘obey’ in her vows to the Prince of Wales during their wedding in 1981.
In contrast, the Queen, Princess Margaret, and the Princess Royal all opted to pledge obedience to their husbands.
William and his fiancée have chosen the Series One Book of Common Prayer ceremony from 1966, permitting the bride to omit ‘obey him’ and ‘serve him’ from the religious traditions.
With William deciding not to wear a wedding ring, he will be the only one to say ‘With this ring I thee wed’ as he places the golden band on Kate’s finger.
Typically, the Archbishop of Canterbury writes a message at the beginning of the official program.
They stated they were profoundly moved by people’s responses as they prepare for ‘one of the happiest days of our lives.’
According to a spokesperson from St James’s Palace, ‘The couple wished to include a message from themselves.’
Notably, the heartfelt message is signed by ‘William’ and ‘Catherine’.
The program also features a hand-drawn color map showing the route for the carriage procession, along with historical details about the abbey and information regarding William and Kate’s coats of arms.
Included is a brief history of previous royal weddings at the abbey, where William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.
It asserted, ‘More than a millennium after the first William made his solemn oath, the abbey hosts anotherFor a further moment of great solemnity, yet filled with immense joy, William and his bride will stand together.
A total of 150,000 copies of the A5 booklet, priced at £2 each, will be distributed along the processional route on the wedding day by a group of military cadets and Explorer Scouts.
The vows will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, who will declare the couple as ‘man and wife’ following the ceremony.
As the vows were unveiled, it was highlighted that tomorrow’s traditional wedding service will represent the peak of ‘Britishness’.
In the souvenir programme, a message from the royal couple expresses, ‘We are both so thrilled that you can join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives.’
‘The love shown to us by numerous individuals throughout our engagement has been extraordinarily moving and has resonated deeply with both of us.’
‘We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their kindness.’
The commemorative souvenir, which contains the complete Order of Service for tomorrow’s marriage ceremony, also showcases a new black-and-white portrait of the couple taken by renowned fashion photographer Mario Testino.
In the close-up image, both the Prince and Miss Middleton sport matching open-necked white shirts and exhibit broad smiles, with Kate leaning in towards William.
Embracing the nation’s musical legacy, the couple has chosen pieces ranging from the beloved hymn Jerusalem to the classic English tune Greensleeves for their choral selections.
According to St. James’ Palace, many of the ‘stunning’ pieces were selected by the bride and groom for their ‘theatre’.
Acting as witnesses during the ceremony on Friday will be William’s father, the Prince of Wales, his stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall, along with Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton, and sister Pippa, who will all sign the historic marriage registers.
As the newlyweds exit the Abbey, the familiar orchestral march Crown Imperial by William Walton will play, a piece also featured at Charles and Diana’s wedding.
The three hymns that the couple has chosen, ‘Guide me, O thou great Redeemer’, ‘Love divine, all loves excelling’, and Jerusalem, which begins with ‘And did those feet in ancient time’, are all cherished by them.
The traditional souvenir programme is available for download starting today at www.officialroyalwedding2011.org.
by Robbo Green
