London: Prince William and Kate Middleton are hoping to marry at the end of April. Senior royal sources confirmed that the couple have their hearts set on a spring wedding in London, and have selected a "first choice" date, thought to be in the final week of April.
The date, which is understood to be a weekday, is being cleared with other members of the Royal family and Downing Street, and is expected to be announced this week.
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A second choice date in the summer has also been earmarked should April prove problematic. The wedding is likely to take place at Westminster Abbey. An April wedding would see Prince William marrying in the same month as his father, the Prince of Wales, whose second marriage took place in Windsor in April 2005.
It is thought that the preferred date will not be until the end of April because the Queen would not be expected to attend a major event during the Lent and Easter period.
A senior royal aide said: "Prince William and Miss Middleton have a specific date and venue in mind, and Prince William's household is consulting with all relevant parties. However, they are realistic that for one reason or another, their first-choice date may not work for all parties involved, and so they have selected a second choice summer date.
