William, Kate wedding on April 29

The British monarchy today announced that the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton will take place at Westminster Abbey on Friday, April 29, 2011. The day has been declared as a bank holiday. The media announcement from the royal monarchy also said that the royal family would pay for the wedding, following the precedents set by the marriages of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981 and Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1947.

Welcoming the announcement of the royal wedding, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said, “The wedding of Kate and William will be a happy and momentous occasion. We want to mark the day as one of national celebration, a public holiday will ensure the most people possible will have a chance to celebrate on the day. The costs of the wedding itself will be met by the royal household, with the government meeting any wider security or transport related costs.”