'Mum didn't snub Charles'

2005-02-23 14:27

London - The office of Britain's Prince Charles denied on Wednesday that his mother Queen Elizabeth II had snubbed him by announcing she would miss his civil wedding in Windsor town hall.

Aides to the queen revealed on Tuesday she would not attend the April 8 ceremony for the heir to the throne and Camilla Parker Bowles at Windsor Guildhall because the couple "wanted to keep the occasion low-key."

But the queen will be present for a blessing at Windsor Castle's at St George's Chapel afterwards, according to officials at Buckingham Palace, her official residence.

A spokesperson for Clarence House, Charles' office, said Wednesday that nothing unusual was happening.

"The wedding will be blessed in front of family and friends. There will be a lovely reception afterwards. The civil ceremony was always meant to be low key," the spokesperson said.

Royal experts branded the unprecedented move as a snub, but when asked whether the prince viewed his mother's absence that way, the spokesperson added: "No. They've discussed it and the prince is happy with the arrangements."

Prince Charles' sons William and Harry, along with Parker Bowles' children will be present to watch the couple wed in the Guildhall.

Clarence House said Charles's sons may be asked to be official witnesses.

- AFP