Exclusive: Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first visit to Westminster Abbey

PRINCE William and Kate Middleton made a secret trip to Westminster Abbey last night to see a rehearsal of the music that will be played at their wedding.

By Richard Palmer Royal Correspondent, Royal Correspondent

Royal Wedding Prince William and Kate Middleton made a secret trip to Westminster Abbey pic exclus Royal Wedding: Prince William and Kate Middleton made a secret trip to Westminster Abbey (pic exclus

It was thought to be the Royal couple’s first joint visit to the building where they will walk down the aisle on April 29.

Prince William and Kate Middleton spent an hour-and-a-quarter inside the Abbey. Prince Charles joined them for the performance to help them make a final choice of music for their great day. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton made their first visit to Westminster Abbey

Royal Wedding

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Charles made a visit to Westminster Abbey ahead of the Royal Wedding

They arrived at 8pm and were sneaked into the Abbey via a back gate in Prince William’s father’s dark-blue Jaguar, leaving via the same gate at 9.15pm.

A royal insider said William and Kate were in London last night especially for the performance.

The source, close to the Royal couple, commented: “They looked relaxed and seemed to enjoy themselves. They are obviously very keen that everything should be right on the big day.”

A full orchestra practised for an hour-and-a-half-before William, Kate and Charles arrived.

About a dozen young choristers wearing black velvet cloaks paraded into the Abbey in formation.

A senior royal source said: “William and Kate listened to some of the music that will be played at the wedding, but not all of it.

Kate Middleton rides with his future father-in-law and husband-to-be (Express pic exclusive)

He confirmed that part of the reason for the couple’s visit last night was to choose which music would finally be used and which they wanted to discard. He said: “That was part of the process.

“The orchestra also had a few pieces that they had wanted the bride and groom to hear.”

He revealed that Prince Charles had advised the couple on their choice of music.

He explained: “He has always taken a close interest in classical and church music. They have sought his advice and involved him in the decisions.”

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