Pope funeral/Royal Wedding

The wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla will be on Saturday once the prince returns from the Pope’s funeral on Friday morning

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4409507.stm

The Prince of Wales’ wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles has been postponed until Saturday to allow him to attend the Pope’s funeral in Rome.
The couple had intended to marry in Windsor on 8 April, but changed their plans when the Vatican announced arrangements for the funeral.

Clarence House said the prince, but not Mrs Parker Bowles, would be attending the funeral in Rome.

It said the postponement was “a mark of respect” for the pontiff.

A Clarence House spokesman on Monday afternoon said: “HRH the Prince will attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome.

“As a mark of respect His Royal Highness and Mrs Parker Bowles have decided to postpone their wedding until Saturday.”

The Prince’s spokesman added: “It is expected that the arrangements will be largely the same as previously planned and more details will be announced as soon as possible.”

Prince Charles cut short his Swiss skiing holiday to attend the mass for the Pope at Westminster Cathedral on Monday evening with other dignitaries.

Mrs Parker Bowles would also attend the service, Clarence House said.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, who delayed calling a general election as a mark of respect for the pontiff, will also attend Monday’s service in London.

Windsor ceremony

Prince Charles and Mrs Parker Bowles plan to marry in a civil ceremony and then attend a church service in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

A 45-minute religious church blessing led by the Archbishop of Canterbury will follow.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh earlier announced they would not be attending the civil ceremony but would be at the blessing.

On Monday, Buckingham Palace said the Pope’s funeral “must take priority”.

“Diaries are being rescheduled to fit the Royal wedding in on Saturday,” a spokeswoman added.

Lloyd White, of Windsor and Maidenhead council, said: “The change in date has been agreed with our Superintendent Registrar and we are happy to accommodate this alteration in the plans.”

Three other weddings booked for the Guildhall on Saturday will not be disrupted, he added.

“The circumstances are exceptional and we will be doing our utmost to work with Clarence House and Thames Valley Police to ensure the event goes smoothly.”