Folllowing a surprise announcement in September Sir William plans to marry Gemma, his girlfriend of the last five years.  The couple met at college in the English Lake District when they were studying to be teachers, he for adrenalin sports in the mountains and she for infants at the start of their school careers.

Now, Will, aged 27, is landscape adviser in a firm fitting solar panels to create electricity, and mountaineering has become a hobby.  Gemma, 32, is teaching four-year-olds how to pay attention and learn.

"This has all come as a great surprise and we're all delighted," said Mary, Lady Jardine.  "The good thing about a short engagement is that plans have to be simple.  After the service we'll have a great party to celebrate."

The wedding will take place during the October break from school.  William plans to wear trews in the Dress Jardine tartan and the tailcoat his late father, Sir Alec, wore for his wedding in 1982.  Gemma's not saying a word about what she'll be wearing when she comes down the aisle on her father's arm but she did let on she'd like to leave the church with her new husband in a pony and trap.

Weather prospects are improving.  At first the long range forecast was for snow and ice but as the day gets nearer the wintry weather has blown the other way and now the chances are we'll have sunshine and showers.  Very British!

Watch this space for pictures of the happy couple on their special day.

William in Liverpool during the Tall Ships Race ready to sail through gales round Cape Wrath