Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton talk to youngsters from a local soccer club at Witton County Park, Darwen, near Blackburn, England Monday, April, 11, 2011. Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton will marry at Westminster Abbey on April 29. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant Pool)LONDON – Practice makes perfect: Kate Middleton and her bridesmaids, together with best man Prince Harry, rehearsed one more time at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, the eve of the most anticipated royal wedding in decades.
The rehearsal came as Middleton and Prince William released their wedding program, which says they have been deeply touched by an outpouring of affection toward them.
“We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives,” they wrote. “The affection shown to us by so many people during our engagement has been incredibly moving and has touched us both deeply.”
They also released a new photograph by celebrity photographer Mario Testino – a warm black-and-white image.
Much is at stake for the royal family, who hope the match bolsters the Windsor dynasty and smooths over memories of the damaging, embarrassing divorce of William’s parents, Princess Diana and Prince Charles. William has often referred to his late mother with great affection and gave Kate his mother’s engagement ring – ensuring she isn’t forgotten during the sacred occasion.