Introduction
As the world turns to London for the British royal event of the decade, BBC Entertainment will carry extensive coverage of the Royal Wedding between HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The live and uninterrupted broadcast on BBC Knowledge on the morning of the 29th April will be a direct simulcast of BBC ONE’s coverage - BBC ONE is the BBC’s flagship channel in the UK. The broadcast of the wedding is the centrepiece of BBC Worldwide Channels’ Royal Wedding programming.
About the Bride – Miss Catherine Middleton*
Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to Michael and Carole Middleton at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, on 9th January 1982. Catherine is the eldest of three children. Catherine was christened at the parish church of St Andrew’s Bradfield in Berkshire on 20th June 1982. In May 1984, at the age of two, Catherine moved with her family to Amman in Jordan, where her father worked for two and a half years. Catherine attended a nursery school in Amman from the age of three. In September 1986, the Middletons returned to their home in West Berkshire, and Catherine started at St Andrew’s School in Pangbourne, where she remained until July 1995. Catherine went on to Marlborough College in Wiltshire, where she studied Chemistry, Biology and Art at A-level. Catherine also took part in sport on behalf of the school, playing tennis, hockey and netball and participating in athletics, particularly high jump. Catherine completed her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at Marlborough. Leaving Marlborough College in July 2000, Catherine undertook a gap year in which she studied at the British Institute in Florence, undertook a Raleigh International programme in Chile, and crewed on Round the World Challenge boats in the Solent. In 2001, Catherine enrolled at the University of St Andrews, Fife, from where she graduated in 2005 with a 2:1 in History of Art. Catherine continued with her interest in sport at University, playing hockey for the University team. Catherine first met Prince William when studying at the University. Since completing her degree, Catherine has worked for Party Pieces, a company owned and run by her parents. Alongside her work for the family business, Catherine worked in London as a part-time buyer for the clothing company Jigsaw Junior. In 2008, Catherine launched First Birthdays, a junior brand to Party Pieces. Her role within the family business included catalogue design and production, marketing and photography. Catherine’s hobbies include recreational sports such as hill walking, tennis, swimming, sailing, and the arts such as photography and painting.
About the Ceremony
The service will take place at Westminster Abbey in central London. The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, will conduct the service at Westminster Abbey on 29 April and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, will marry Prince William and Miss Middleton. The address will be given by the Bishop of London, the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Richard Chartres. The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said: ‘I am delighted on behalf of The Dean & Chapter of Westminster to congratulate HRH Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton on their engagement to be married. We assure them of our prayers and best wishes as they prepare for their wedding. May God bless and protect them with his love. 'We are very pleased they have chosen Westminster Abbey for their marriage and look forward to the detailed planning for what will be a great and happy occasion for the couple themselves, for their families and friends, for the country and Commonwealth and for well-wishers across the globe.’
The Musicians
Both Prince William and Miss Middleton have taken a great deal of interest and care in choosing the music for their Service. Two choirs, one orchestra and two fanfare teams will perform the music at the Wedding Service of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29th. These are:
· The Choir of Westminster Abbey
· The Chapel Royal Choir
· The London Chamber Orchestra
· The Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force
· The State Trumpeters of The Household Cavalry
The choirs will be under the direction of Mr. James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey. The Choir of Westminster Abbey is made up of 20 boys, all of whom attend the Abbey’s dedicated residential Choir School, and 12 professional adult singers, known as Lay Vicars. In addition to singing the daily choral services in the Abbey throughout the year, it plays a central role in the many royal, state and national occasions which take place at the Abbey. The Abbey’s Sub Organist, Robert Quinney, will play the organ.
Maid of Honour, Bridesmaids, Best Man & Page Boys
Miss Catherine Middleton has asked her sister, Miss Philippa Middleton, to be her Maid of Honour.
Prince William has asked his brother Prince Harry to be his Best Man.
Prince William and Miss Middleton have chosen the following Bridesmaids and Page Boys:
· The Lady Louise Windsor
(Aged 7 – daughter of the The Earl and Countess of Wessex)
· The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones
(Aged 8 – daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Linley)
· Miss Grace van Cutsem
(Aged 3 – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh van Cutsem)

· Miss Eliza Lopes
(Aged 3 – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lopes)
· Master William (Billy) Lowther – Pinkerton
(Aged 10 – son of Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton)
· Master Tom Pettifer
(Aged 8 – son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pettifer)
Miss Grace van Cutsem and Master Tom Pettifer are godchildren of Prince William
Details about the Bridesmaids’ dresses and the Page Boys’ uniforms will be made available on the day.
The Transport & The Processional
On the way to the ceremony, Miss Middleton and Prince William will travel separately to the wedding service using State Cars from the Royal Mews. The State Car collection includes two Bentleys, three Rolls-Royces and three Daimlers. At the end of their wedding service at Westminster Abbey, Prince William and Miss Middleton will travel in the 1902 State Landau along the Processional Route to Buckingham Palace. In the event of severely wet weather, the couple will travel in The Glass Coach. The Processional route from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace runs from Westminster Abbey to Parliament Square and then on to Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade before The Mall to Buckingham Palace. There will be five horse-drawn carriages in the Carriage Procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. The first carriage will be the 1902 State Landau or Glass Coach carrying the Bride and the Bridegroom. The second and third carriages will be Ascot Landaus carrying the Best Man, Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids. The fourth carriage will be a Semi-State Landau carrying The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The fifth carriage will be a Semi-State Landau carrying The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Mr and Mrs Middleton. The 1902 State Landau, the Glass Coach, the Ascot and Semi-State Landaus are housed at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace. The 1902 State Landau was specifically built for King Edward VII in 1902 and was intended to be used at his Coronation. It is the carriage in most general use at the Royal Mews and is usually used by The Queen to meet Foreign Heads of State when they arrive on State Visits to Britain. The Prince of Wales travelled to St Paul’s Cathedral in the 1902 State Landau for his wedding in 1981, returning in it with The Princess of Wales after the service. The Duke and Duchess of York also used it for their return to Buckingham Palace at their wedding in 1986.
The Reception
The wedding reception will be held at Buckingham Palace and will be hosted by Her Majesty The Queen. Buckingham Palace contains 775 rooms. Included in this are 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. In measurements, the building is 108 metres long across the front, 120 metres deep (including the central quadrangle) and 24 metres high. Prince William and Miss Middleton have chosen Leicestershire-based cake designer Fiona Cairns to create their wedding cake.In addition, the couple has also asked McVitie's Cake Company to create a chocolate biscuit cake for the reception at Buckingham Palace. The chocolate biscuit cake will be made from a Royal Family recipe and was specially requested by Prince William. *Information taken from officialroyalwedding2011.org. All details correct at time of printing.
PROGRAMMING
The British Royal Wedding: Live Coverage
Friday 29th April
09.00 – 14.40: Live Coverage
21.30 – 23.00: Highlights of the Live Coverage
The BBC will offer full, uninterrupted coverage of all the spectacle and splendour of the day's events. As well as being responsible for bringing the service at Westminster Abbey into homes all over the world, BBC cameras will be positioned around Buckingham Palace, along the Mall, across Horse Guards Parade, along Whitehall, around Parliament Square and at a number of vantage points along the Royal processional route.
The BBC will also be reporting live from St Andrew’s University where William and Catherine first met, from Bucklebury, Catherine's home village, and live from a number of military locations in the UK and overseas. And as a special and exclusive treat for BBC viewers, we will be reporting live from on board the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight as it soars across London and down the Mall to salute the Royal newlyweds.
Leading the programming for the BBC will be Huw Edwards, who will be based outside Buckingham Palace and joined by fellow anchors Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth, who will be situated at key locations in central London. Also reporting on events across the day for BBC TV are Fearne Cotton and Edith Bowman, Jake Humphrey and Chris Hollins, along with Alex Jones and Anita Rani, who will capture the stories, excitement and celebrations from across London, the UK and around the world.
Stay tuned to BBC Knowledge from 25th April for some Royal Wedding themed programmes including:
Untold Stories of a Royal Bridesmaid
Monday 25th April at 20.30 CAT
A unique insider’s preview of Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding from a bridesmaid at the heart of Charles and Diana’s wedding. Thirty years ago, television host and world-renowned designer India Hicks was a teenage bridesmaid when her godfather Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. Now, as the world prepares for the marriage of their son Prince William, India takes viewers on a light-hearted personal journey through her own experiences as a 13 year old at the heart of the most famous wedding of the 20th century and provides a remarkable insider’s perspective on what is set to be the wedding of the 21st century. Drawing on her teenage memories and interviews with people connected with her and that momentous day, India brings the previous royal wedding to life. She combines first-hand insight with memorabilia from her own personal collection, including invitations, dresses, scrapbooks and photographs. Helping her build a fascinating picture of what went on behind the scenes 30 years ago – and discussing with her the likely similarities and differences in the forthcoming 2011 royal wedding – are interviewees including Princess Diana’s dress designer David Emanuel; India’s fellow bridesmaid Clementine Hambro; fashion icon Caroline Herrera; and India’s mother Lady Pamela Hicks, who was herself a royal bridesmaid when the Queen married Prince Phillip in 1947. Each contributor offers their own fascinating insight to these historic royal weddings, revealing the intimate details no news coverage could ever provide.
Britain’s Royal Weddings
Monday 25th April at 21.25 CAT
Tuesday 26th April at 21.25 CAT
As the world prepares to celebrate Britain’s latest royal marriage, this entertaining programme captures all the emotion, excitement and style of the nation’s previous royal weddings. Going behind the pomp and circumstance of weddings from 1923 onwards, it offers a fun, intriguing glimpse into a world few of us will ever encounter. It also charts how changing social attitudes and national circumstances have influenced what the public has come to expect from Britain’s royal weddings.
Royally Mad
Tuesday 26th April at 20.30 CAT
Wednesday 27th April at 20.30 CAT
Find out what happens when a group of ardent royal fans are sent to London on the trip of a lifetime to indulge in the royal wedding dream! Cat Deeley leads five of America’s most enthusiastic fans of the British royals on the ultimate road trip, indulging in regal treats and visiting key locations from the lives of Prince William and his bride-to-be Kate Middleton. The passionate, opinionated participants are all very different characters but all have one thing in common – an almost obsessive love of the British royal family. There’s not much they don’t know about the royals, and this is their chance to prove it! Wedding planner Lori is a self-proclaimed walking encyclopedia of royal trivia and collector of royal memorabilia; Los Angeles-based blogger Holly shares her home with cats Prince William and Prince Harry; newlywed Karen has always dreamed of being a princess; Allison from Chicago wears a replica of Princess Diana’s engagement ring, and flight attendent Rich has been fascinated by royalty since watching TV coverage of Charles and Diana’s wedding as a child. The lucky travellers are treated like royalty from the moment they check into their five star luxury hotel opposite Kensington Palace. Cat is with them on their royal wedding trail, as they visit locations including Kensington Palace and wedding venue Westminster Abbey and get a taste of paparazzi attention at the happy couple’s favourite nightclub. They try on tiaras at the jewellers responsible for Prince Diana’s – and now Kate’s – engagement ring; have polo training from the expert who organises matches for the royal princes; are shown an iconic dress that Princess Diana wore in the famous Mario Testino photoshoot and meet Diana’s wedding dress designer Elizabeth Emmanuel. Along the way they get insights from one of Princess Diana’s closest confidantes as well as from a former royal correspondent and a stylist to Kate Middleton. Then it’s off for a right royal makeover ahead of a photoshoot and an incredible night out, where the winner of the challenges set during the trip is crowned most ‘Royally Mad’!
William & Kate: 8 Royal Weddings
Wednesday 27th April at 21.25 CAT
This brand new documentary reveals the glamour and spectacle of the previous Royal Wedding days. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes, interviews with Royal wedding-dress designers, memories from Royal bridesmaids, and stunning archive, the film captures the beauty, pageantry but also the intimacy of all the Royal Weddings since Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Philip in 1947. Expert commentators set the scene with observations on the social context and significance of the weddings, and what they meant to the public. The film features the best moments from the courtships, the engagement announcements, the wedding preparations, the ceremonies, the public parades and the first moments as royal husband and wife; and anticipates the next royal nuptials, those of the young heir to the British throne, Prince William and finance Catherine Middleton.
Inside the Royal Wedding
Thursday 28th April at 20.30 CAT
Inside the Royal Wedding is an exclusive documentary special hosted by Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira. The programme will provide a prelude to the big event on 29 April. Inside the Royal Wedding will reveal the extensive preparations and will introduce the audience to the people who are directly involved with many aspects of the modern-day royal wedding. Cameras follow the wedding’s prime movers over four months beginning in January through April 2011. Throughout the build-up to the wedding, cameras will be there as decisions are taken and best-laid plans are put in place. The final part of the special will be shot during the week before the wedding as last-minute plans come together.
William & Kate: A Royal Engagement
Thursday 28th April at 21.25 CAT
It is the story the world has waited for. But what unites this handsome young couple, where did she come from, and what will this marriage mean for the future of the British monarchy?
Prince William, heir to the British throne, is to marry Catherine Middleton, the archetypal girl-next-door. It is the stuff of fairytales. However, as this entertaining and insightful film shows, Prince William and Catherine Middleton are a grounded and modern young couple. With contributions from close friends, historians, biographers and well known journalists, such as Piers Morgan, this documentary reveals their very different backgrounds and upbringing and traces the moments leading up to their engagement, showing why the pair are so perfect for each other, and so popular with the public. From the day Prince William was born, he was destined for a life of duty. We see how he grew up in the spotlight learning to deal with the world’s press, while remaining a deeply private young man. In contrast, Kate comes from a normal, middle class family, albeit one wealthy enough to send her to private school. The film looks deeper into her heritage to reveal her extraordinary rise. Fate brought them together at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. During Prince William’s four years there he was protected from the media glare, living life as ordinarily as he could. His and Catherine’s paths had almost crossed on their gap years spent in the same area of Chile but it was as fellow students, sharing a house together, that romance eventually blossomed. Their relationship was finally revealed in April 2004, on the ski slopes of Klosters. By then Prince William, one of the most sought after bachelors in the world, had been firm friends with Catherine for more than three years. We learn how their ups and downs only brought them closer together, giving them a solid foundation for the future. The engagement marks a new chapter for the British royal family. And for the young couple one thing is certain: this is a marriage of love.
BBC World News
Royal Wedding Witness - from 1 April, four weekly editions of Witness take a uniquely personal perspective on major royal stories from history. The marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier features in an edition on Hollywood and Royalty; whilst the enduring union of Edward and Wallace Simpson forms the backdrop to a programme on Divorce and Royalty. The marriage of HRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana is the focus of a third edition, which looks at the making of a global icon, and a fourth programme looks at the controversial marriage between the son of Botswana chief, Sir Seretse Khama, and Englishwoman Ruth Williams.
One Square Mile - regular strand, One Square Mile, explores neighbourhoods all around the globe. Four special Royal Wedding episodes talk to people from towns and cities in the four countries that make up the United Kingdom to find out what people think about the forthcoming event.
UK Wedding Reports - throughout April, BBC World News presenter Mishal Husain hosts a new weekly programme, UK Wedding Reports, giving viewers a unique insight to everything happening in the build-up to the big day.
Extreme World: Weddings – On 14 April the Extreme World series takes a look at weddings around the world and specifically at examples of the most expensive and the most modest weddings. A report on a wedding in Tajikistan where the government imposes strict limitations on wedding cost and size, is contrasted with a more extravagant celebration in Sri Lanka – the report examines why so many people spend so much on their special day. Audiences are invited to contribute pictures and accounts of the most unusual weddings they've been involved in.
THE ROYAL WEDDING ON CNN (DStv channel 401)
The Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William and Kate Middleton (Live Coverage): As we approach the most talked about event of year, CNN will be at the heart of all the action providing extensive coverage of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Piers Morgan and Richard Quest will be centre stage reporting on the biggest royal wedding event since Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. CNN's live seven-hour broadcast will be anchored by Quest, Morgan and other key CNN correspondents. From the ceremonial to the personal and what is happening at Westminster Abbey to the reactions of those around the world, CNN guarantees viewers a front row seat to all the excitement with up -to-the-minute news updates and stories surrounding the big day. Friday 29th April 09:00 CAT to 16:00 CAT.
The Woman Who Would Be Queen (Special Royal Wedding Documentary ):
Soledad O’Brien
To round off the biggest Royal event of the past two decades, anchor and special correspondent Soledad O'Brien will host a special CNN documentary profiling the future queen of the United Kingdom, Catherine Middleton as she becomes the first commoner to marry into the Royal family since the 1600s. The programme delves into her background, charts the development of her relationship with Prince William, and explores the transition of being crowned princess and her new role as spouse to the second heir to the British throne. Saturday 30th April at 15:00 CAT and 22:00 CAT; Sunday 1 May at 11:00 CAT.
THE ROYAL WEDDING
There’s no doubt that the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is the talk of the year. DStv will be carrying the wedding live and so make a date with us and record the Royal Wedding on your HDPVR hard drive so that you can capture this special occasion for eternity, to watch over and over again.
Aside from members of the British royal family, other wedding guests include members of government, parliament, prime ministers of the Commonwealth countries and the military. Famous faces set to make an appearance include The Beckhams and Elton John. Rumour has it that even Kanye West nabbed an invitation.
So, what can you expect to see in the run-up to the day? With only days to go before the grand event, special programming from several news and lifestyle channels will be focusing on the lives – past, present, and future – of William and Kate.
DStv will be keeping you up to speed with all the news and programming about the royals and the pending nuptials. Here’s a schedule of Royal Wedding programming you can look forward to in the upcoming weeks:
Saturday 23 April
Forbes' Top 20 Young Royals on E! Entertainment at 20:00
Sunday 24 April
All day Royal Wedding programming on BBC Knowledge
Monday 25 April
Royal Wedding Special on Discovery Channel at 18:10
Britain’s Royal Weddings on BBC Knowledge at 21:25
Royal Wedding Specials: The Biggest Day on Discovery Channel at 18:10
Tuesday 26 April
Britain’s Royal Weddings on BBC Knowledge at 21:25
Royally Mad on BBC Knowledge at 20:30
Royal Wedding Specials: Wild About Harry on Discovery Channel at 18:10
Wednesday 27 April
Royally Mad on BBC Knowledge at 20:30
Royal Wedding Specials: 30 Years in 30 Days on Discovery Channel at 18:10

Thursday 28th April
William and Kate: A Royal Engagement on BBC Knowledge at 21:25
Royal Wedding Specials: Royal Hoarding on Discovery Channel at 18:10
Friday 29 April
Royal Wedding Coverage on BBC World News from 07:00
Live: The Royal Wedding on CNN International at 07:00 and 11:00
Live Coverage Royal Wedding on Sky News at 07:00
The Queen on BBC Knowledge at 08:20 and 15:50
Forbes' 20 Most Expensive Celebrity Weddings on E! Entertainment at 08:50
Monarchy: The Royal Family At Work on BBC Knowledge at 09:15 and 16:45
Programmes Celebrating Royal Wedding on BBC Knowledge at 12:05 and 17:40
Your Royal Wedding on Sky News at 22:00
Saturday 30 April
The Woman Who Would Be Queen on CNN International at 15:00 and 22:00
Don't forget to set your HD PVR to record!