Two billion expected to watch the event

The royal wedding is likely to be watched by a global television audience of around two billion, according to the Culture Secretary.

Jeremy Hunt also said preparations for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s nuptials were going well.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Culture Secretary briefed the Cabinet that arrangements for the royal wedding are going well and said that it is likely to be a major event viewed by around two billion people around the world.”

It is estimated that 800 million viewers watched Prince William’s parents, the Prince of Wales and Diana Spencer marry in 1981, while Live Aid attracted a global audience of 1.5 billion in 1985.

Diana’s funeral in 1997 was reportedly watched by 2.5 billion people worldwide.

Broadcasters from across the globe have been preparing for months for the Westminster Abbey ceremony on April 29 which is perfectly timed for global viewing.

North America’s eastern seaboard will be waking up when the service begins at 11 a.m. and in regions like the Middle East and Far East, and Australia and New Zealand, viewers will be able to watch events live in the evening. All the major elements, from the making of the wedding dress to the menu for the Buckingham Palace reception, are likely to be well in hand.