If there's one thing the Brits are known for, it's their homage to tradition. But with their upcoming wedding, Kate Middleton and Prince William plan to offer up a whole new take on it.
Now that official invites have made their way to no less than 1900 people, including royalty, prep school chums, heads of state, and close relatives and friends, the royal pair are set on putting their own stamp on tradition.
A prime example of this is the bride arriving by car rather than horse-driven carriage en route to Westminster Abbey.
A palace insider informs People magazine, "Catherine opted for a slightly lower-key arrival. She felt she would be arriving as Miss Middleton and leaving as HRH whatever, so that was the thinking behind it."
Also, a fitting reply to those who are keenly aware of the fact that Britain is facing some difficult economic times.
There's still hope for the romantics though. The general public will have a glimpse of the princess-bearing carriage as 28-year-old William and his fiancee, 29-year-old Kate make their exit from the abbey. People still recall the unforgettable sight of Diana, Princess of Wales when she looked outside her window on the way to her wedding in 1981.
The wedding will be followed by two receptions. The first will be a wedding brunch for 600 of canapes and champagne, hosted by the Queen. Prince Charles, will play host to the royal couple at seven p.m, holding a dinner dance for no less than 300 guests. Invitees will don evening gowns, including the new bride.
Amidst all of the excitement, the pair are doing their level best to make certain not every detail gets leaked ahead of the big day.
Buckingham Palace stated, "Prince William and Catherine are keen that some things be a surprise for that day, for their friends and family, and those watching around the world."
Given their wish to make their April 29 wedding their own, it's bound to be a memory that lasts forever.
