Prince Charles' plans to marry Camilla Parker Bowles have hit a major setback after it was discovered they cannot make their vows in Windsor Castle. The couple had announced their intention to tie the knot amid the grandeur of the Queen's favourite home, but it now seems they will have to make do with the rather more humble setting of the local town hall.
They were forced to abandon their original plans because of the laws surrounding licences for civil weddings. If the Royal Family were to stage such a ceremony at the Castle, they would have been legally obliged to allow members of the public to marry there for a period of three years thereafter.
Clarence House has also been forced to make the embarrassing admission that it had not thought to check whether there might be any legal problems. The Prince's aides had apparently been so busy looking into the issues surrounding Camilla's status as Princess Consort that they neglected to investigate the venue itself.
As things stand now the heir to the throne will say 'I do' at the Guildhall on Windsor High Street. While the venue is just a few hundred yards from the gates of the Castle, it also stands next to a John Lewis clothes store and the Three Tuns public house.
After the ceremony the newlyweds and their entourage will return to the castle, where the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will preside over a blessing in St George's Chapel.
The bride and groom would be forgiven for feeling a little disappointed at the turn of events, but their representatives were keen to point out that it is good news for the public. "People will be able to see the Prince and Mrs Parker Bowles arrive and leave, rather than them being behind the castle walls," explained a Clarence House spokesman. |
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