Syrian ambassador’s invitation withdrawn due to protest crackdown
Prince William and Kate Middleton will be tying the knot tomorrow, and say they have been “incredibly moved” by the outpouring of affection shown to them since they got engaged, the BBC reports. Their official wedding programme includes a message thanking “everyone most sincerely for their kindness.” Friday’s ceremony at Westminster Abbey will include vows from Midleton to “love, comfort, honour and keep” Prince William—but not to obey him. More than 600,000 people are expected to be in the streets, with several hundred already camping out in tents and sleeping bags nearby. The bride is to walk up the aisle to coronation anthem “I Was Glad,” from Psalm 122, which was composed for the crowning of Prince William’s great-great-great grandfather, Edward VII. The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and Middleton’s family will be witnesses and sign the marriage registers. Prince William will be spending Thursday evening with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Harry, while Miss Middleton will be with her family at the Goring Hotel. The Queen will host an event for British and foreign royals at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, and will be leaving for a weekend away after hosting a wedding day lunchtime reception, giving Buckinham Palace over to the royal couple’s black tie party for the night. Meanwhile, the invitation to Syria’s ambassador in London has been withdrawn after reports that up to 400 pro-democracy protesters have been killed there by security forces in recent weeks.