-
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York - Source: Reuters -
Related
A prominent member of the royal family has been snubbed and won't be going to Prince William and Kate Middleton's April wedding - but the New Zealand Prime Minister and his wife will.
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, will be absent from the April 29 nuptials, because she isn't on the list.
Queen Elizabeth sent out nearly 2000 gold-embossed invitations to the wedding, the royal household said today. The invitations feature the Queen's EIIR insignia, stamped in burnished gold.
John Key is expected to his receive his shortly because St James's Palace has indicated that invitations have been sent to Prime Ministers, spouses, and Governors-General.
"It is the Prime Minister's intention to attend with his wife Bronagh, subject to his schedule," a spokesperson for John Key said. "The possibility of visiting France for Anzac Day just before the royal wedding is also being considered.
"It is also appropriate for the Governor-General, as the Queen's Representative in New Zealand, to attend with Lady Susan, and they will be doing so."
A spokesman for Fergie said she would not have gone anyway because she's already planned an overseas trip.
Sarah Ferguson has confirmed she hasn't been invited. But her daughters, Princess Beatrice, 22, and Princess Eugenie, 20, are expected to attend the ceremony, according to People magazine.
About 1900 people - ranging from family and friends to foreign dignitaries, diplomats, soldiers and charity workers - have been asked to attend the service in Westminster Abbey, but no names have been revealed.
Some 600 will get the opportunity to enjoy a lunchtime reception with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, while a more select group of about 300 will be treated to an evening banquet hosted by William's father, Prince Charles.
Fergie will be keeping busy though - she's making a documentary for Oprah Winfrey's OWN network that's expected to air later in the year.
Are you a New Zealander in the UK doing something special for the royal wedding? ONE News wants to hear what you have planned. Please contact news@tvnz.co.nz
ONE News is also keen to hear from any mad Wills & Kate fans planning to celebrate the nuptials from here in New Zealand. Email our NZ-based royal wedding reporter amy.kelley@tvnz.co.nz