The Prince of Wales and his future wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, have chosen their eldest children to act as witnesses at their April 8 nuptials, Clarence House has confirmed.
Prince William and Tom Parker Bowles will serve the important role at the civil wedding, to be held in the intimate Ascot Room at the Guildhall in Windsor. The bride and groom will arrive together for the town hall ceremony, driven in a 1962 Rolls Royce Phantom V previously used by Charles' grandmother, the Queen Mother.
News of William's prominent participation comes just a few weeks after reports he and his younger brother Prince Harry would not serve as supporters – the royal version of best men – in the history-making ceremony. "It's not that sort of wedding," said a spokesperson in February. "The two boys will have a role throughout the wedding in so much as being by their father's side."
Prince Harry will be among the 30 guests at the civil ceremony, along with Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence. Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand, and daughter, Laura Parker Bowles, will also be present for the 20-minute service.
Though further attendees have not been confirmed, around 700 people are expected at the blessing and reception following the vows. Among the reported guests will be a number of Charles' former flames, including Lucia Santa Cruz, Lady Jane Wellesley and Amanda Knatchbull. Invitees from the world of entertainment include Joanna Lumley, Barry Humphries, Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry, while the royal guest list is rumoured to include Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit. |
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