[1]Britain is ready to host Prince William’s wedding with Kate Middleton on Friday morning as the first full dress rehearsal of the ceremonial part of the marriage was held at dawn on Wednesday morning.
The Army, Navy, Royal Air Force and the Met Police personnel took part in the dry run to test the timings of the wedding procession to the second and practise in their full service uniforms. The military personnel left the Wellington Barracks in Westminster before 5 am. The military personnel also lined the route between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, from Parliament Street, to the Cenotaph, to Horse Guards Parade and then along the Mall till the Buckingham Palace. The dry-run was described as a success as it ended slightly ahead of time.
Scotland Yard, which has been preparing for the royal event for over 22 weeks, said the security measures will not be very intrusive.
“On the morning of the royal wedding road closures will be in place from about 6 am. This is an essential part of making sure that this event can take place safely and appropriately,” Met Police commander Christine Jones said on Wednesday. The wedding guests will be subjected to security checks, but these will be conducted beyond the eyes of the audience and cameras. “Between 8.15 am and 09.45 on the day the general congregation will start to arrive at Westminster Abbey. Those attending will have to go through a security regime away from the main entrance of the Abbey,” she explained.
The police personnel, both in uniform and in plainclothes, will mingle within the crowds to keep and eye on the people, Jones said. Another major operation will be removal of barricades and allowing huge numbers of people to walk to the Buckingham Palace to witness the newly-wedded couple kissing in the balcony of the palace and the special fly-past.
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