Your Invitation to Friday's Royal Wedding

For those of you as old as me, you’ll remember that warm July morning in 1981 when Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, married Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Thousands of Americans rose at the crack of dawn on July 29 to watch the nuptials, which were broadcast all over the world. Now, nearly 30 years later, their eldest son William, now second in line to the British throne, will marry Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey this Friday, April 29.

Having lived in London for a year, I understand the British fascination with the royal family, although that fascination has decreased in recent years. Many Britons believe it’s essential that William and Catherine restore some of the dignity that has been dwindling from the monarchy in the past 20 years.

“It’s vital that their marriage works,” says David Carpenter, professor of medieval history at King’s College London. “The failure of Charles and Diana’s marriage, in particularly ... unpleasant circumstances, destroyed the role of monarchy as iconic family unit. That role must be restored.”

For those of you intent on watching the royal festivities in their entirety Friday morning, here is a schedule of events:

• 3.15 a.m. our time (8:15 a.m. London time)  - The general congregation will arrive at Westminster Abbey between 3.15 a.m. and 4.45 a.m.
• 4:50 a.m. our time (9:50 London time) - Governors-General and Prime Ministers of Realm Countries, the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey.
• 5:10 a.m. our time (10:10 a.m. London time) - Prince William and Prince Harry leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey.
• 5:20 a.m. our time (10:20 a.m. London time) - Carole Middleton and Kate's younger brother James leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.
• 5.35 a.m. our time (10:35 London time)  - The following members of the royal family leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey: Princess Anne and Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice; Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
• 5.38 a.m. our time (10.38 a.m. London time) Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for  Westminster Abbey.
• 5.40 a.m. our time (10.40 a.m. London time) The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey
• 5:48 a.m. our time (10.48 a.m. London time) The bridesmaids and pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.
• 5:51 a.m. our time (10:51 a.m. London time) - Kate and her father Mike Middleton will depart the Goring Hotel via car, a somewhat controversial decision as it is the first time since 1963 that a royal bride has not arrived at the church by horse-drawn carriage. Their car will travel along The Mall, passing by Clarence House, Whitehall, and Parliament Square before arriving at the Abbey.
• 6 a.m. our time (11 a.m. London time) - While the Dean of Westminster will conduct the church service, William and Kate will actually be married by Rowan Douglas Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The marriage service will be relayed by audio speakers along the procession route.
• 7.15 p.m. our time (12:15 p.m. London time) - Following the ceremony, Prince William and Princess Catherine, now husband and wife, will return to Buckingham Palace in a procession of horse-drawn coaches (with the newlyweds in the 1902 State Landau carriage), passing by the thousands of well-wishers who will be lining the streets.
• 7.30 a.m. our time (12:30 p.m. London time) - Once back at the Palace, the newlyweds will be met by the queen for a champagne reception.
• 8.25 a.m. our time (1.25 p.m. London time) - The couple and their families will take a moment to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Chances are William and Kate will share a kiss for the crowds and cameras.
• 2 p.m. our time (7 p.m. London  time) - The Prince of Wales (William's father, Charles) will host a private dinner and dance, also at Buckingham Palace.

The event will be broadcast on CBS, NBC, ABC and CNN.  Even though you may not have received an invitation, you can have a front row seat to the Royal Wedding 2011!