thank everyone for their kindnessLONDON: Practice makes one perfect. Kate Middleton and her bridesmaids, together with best man Prince Harry, rehearsed once more Thursday at Westminster Abbey, practicing the timing of the upcoming royal wedding to the last detail. The rehearsal – the second in as many days – came as Middleton and Prince William released a message in their wedding program, saying they were deeply touched by the affection they have felt from many people since they became engaged. “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.” Friday's wedding will offer pomp and circumstance on grand scale, with 1,900 invited guests, carriages and mounted troops of the Household Calvary. Rows of bold red, white and blue Union Jacks have been unfurled along the route. Street cleaners have scrubbed and swept the pavement along the route where hundreds of thousands are expected to gather on Friday. Dozens of die–hard fans were camped out in tents and sleeping bags near the abbey, Thursday. The program showed that Middleton will not promise to “obey” her new husband in her vows but instead to “love, comfort, honor and keep” him. As wedding excitement heated up, the weather in London started cooling down. The royals may want to pack extra umbrellas, as forecasters are predicting it might rain. – Associated Press Schedule (all timings at British Standard Time): 8:15 A.M. – The congregation begin arriving at the Great North Door of London's Westminster Abbey. 9:50 A.M. – Governors–General and Prime Ministers of Realm Countries, the Diplomatic Corps and other distinguished guests arrive. 10:10 A.M. – Prince William and his brother and best man Prince Harry leave their father's residence Clarence House. 10:20 A.M. – Members of foreign royal families begin to arrive at the Abbey. Middleton's mother Carole and brother James will leave the Goring Hotel. 10:25 A.M. – Junior members of the British royal family leave Buckingham Palace. 10:35 A.M. – William's uncles Prince Edward and Prince Andrew and his aunt Princess Anne will leave the palace with members of their families. 10:38 A.M. – William's father Prince Charles will leave Clarence House with his wife Camilla. 10:40 A.M. – Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip are the last royals to leave. 10:48 A.M. – The bridesmaids and page boys leave the Goring. 10:51 A.M. – Middleton and her father Michael leave the hotel. 11 A.M. – The marriage service begins. 12:15 P.M. – William and Middleton will leave the Abbey in a carriage and return to Buckingham Palace followed by other senior members of the royal family and escorts from mounted cavalry in full dress uniform. 12:30 P.M. – The newlyweds arrive at the palace. 12:40 P.M. – The other royals, both British and foreign, arrive back at the palace. 1:25 P.M. – The queen, William and Middleton and their families appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. 1:30 P.M. – A fly past by aircraft from the Royal Air Force and World War Two planes from the Battle of Britain Flight.
