Royal wedding plans changed
2005-02-17 21:02
London - Instead of marrying surrounded by the opulence of Windsor Castle, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles will wed - like thousands of Britons every year - at their local town hall.
Charles' Clarence House office announced on Thursday that the April 8 union of the heir to the throne and his long time love would take place at the Guildhall in Windsor, west of London, rather than at the castle as announced last week.
The change is a pragmatic move - under British licensing law, registering the castle as a wedding venue would mean opening it up to commoners' weddings as well.
Clarence house said holding the service in the 17th-century town hall also would allow the public to see the newlyweds arrive and leave, and would help to include the town in the day's events.
A blessing led by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams after the ceremony will still take place at the castle's St. George's Chapel, followed by a reception at the castle's state apartments.
The town's mayor, Emrys Richards, said he was honoured the prince and Parker Bowles had chosen the venue ... and local businesses were also looking forward to the big day.
The pair will exchange wedding rings made from Welsh gold, in keeping with a royal tradition begun by the Queen Mother Elizabeth in 1923, Clarence House said.
- SAPA