Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips, is to marry Canadian management consultant Autumn Kelly at Windsor Castle later.

The couple, both 30, who met while working at the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix, will exchange vows at the Berkshire castle's St George's Chapel.

Miss Kelly has given up her Catholic faith to allow her fiance to retain his place as 11th in line to the throne.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are attending what will be the first wedding of one of their grandchildren.

Guests also include the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Prince Harry, his girlfriend Chelsy Davy, who will be meeting the Queen for the first time, and Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton will attend the ceremony.

Prince William is unable to attend as he is at a friend's wedding in Kenya. Miss Middleton has been invited to represent the couple.

Celebrity magazine

Mr Phillips, who is the only son of Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, proposed to Miss Kelly last July.

Earlier this month, she announced she had given up her Catholic faith and converted to the Church of England to allow her future husband to retain his right to the throne.

Since 1701, heirs to the throne marrying Catholics cannot become sovereigns.

BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph said the couple had sold the story of their relationship to Hello magazine - a decision which had raised a few eyebrows in royal circles.

It has been reported they were paid £500,000.

The wedding day has been organised by Margaret Hammond, Princess Anne's former personal assistant.

Peregrine Armstrong-Jones, who organised the 21st birthday parties of Mr Phillips and his sister Zara, is in charge of the post-wedding celebrations.

The reception and dance will be held at Windsor's Frogmore House.

(BBC)

<< Back