PRINCE WILLIAM’S marriage to Kate Middleton will “take place in London” says the official statement, but that still leaves open the question of which famous venue is to be graced by next summer’s royal wedding.


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There are two favourites to clinch the deal. The first is St Paul’s Cathedral, the dome-topped church in which William’s dome-topped dad, Prince Charles, walked down the aisle alongside Princess, then Lady, Di back in 1981.

One of London’s most famous landmarks, St Paul’s has hosted many a historic occasion in its time, such as the funerals of Admiral Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill.

Those names might be big, but they’re not royal and in fact the Charles and Di ceremony was a break with tradition in that most previous major royal weddings have taken place at Westminster Abbey.

That’s where the Queen wed Prince Philip and where her mum, the Queen Mum, exchanged rings with George VI.

Some royal watchers believe William won’t fancy the Abbey (pictured) as a wedding venue because it’s where the funeral for his tragic mother was held. On the other hand, St Paul’s wasn’t exactly a lucky charm for his parents’ marriage.

The bad omens associated with both major London churches have led some to argue that Will and Kate might opt for something completely different. Here are some suggestions:

Epsom Racecourse
With its Queen’s Stand and Duchess Stand, Epsom has strong links to the monarchy. If they decide in favour of the famous racecourse, the happy couple would be well advised to hold their nuptials on Derby Day next June.

That way, they can be sure the Queen would turn up.

London Olympics Stadium
The whole of Britain will be on trial in 2012 when the world sees if we can put on a show-stopping opening ceremony. What better service to the nation than for Will and Kate to use their wedding as a giant dress-rehearsal?

Given the royal family boasts its own Olympians, holding the event in Stratford would also ensure that Princess Anne and Zara Phillips would come.

The Crown Pub, Lee, south-east London
Up and down the country, pubs are closing every day. The royal couple could boost pub trade and probably revive the whole economy if they chose to share their wedding joy in a decent London boozer, especially one named in the monarchy’s honour.

As a bonus and as long as someone sticks a monkey behind the bar, the free-flowing drink would nail the attendance of party-boy Prince Harry and his army mates. Cheers!