Crowds will flock to royal wedding

The wedding of two popular sports stars is set to draw crowds to Edinburgh’s historic city centre.

Lothian and Borders Police have been working with the palace and the city council to ensure the smooth running of the wedding of Zara Phillips and rugby player Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk on the Royal Mile. Superintendent Ivor Marshall, who is the Silver Commander responsible for overseeing security arrangements, said the event was expected to attract significant public interest, despite being a private affair.

“In some ways it is quite difficult to predict. However, given the couple’s status as well-known sports stars, the fact many of their guests are going to be well-known, and the fact Zara is a member of the Royal Family, that’s going to draw people to the event and we are preparing for that.”

Mr Marshall said the Kirk’s location, close to both the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, yet set on the busy tourist hub of the Royal Mile presented unique challenges.

While some road closures will be in place, local businesses will remain open and residents, who have been contacted by Edinburgh City Council, will be relatively unaffected.

“The police planning unit is well versed in assisting in the organisation of high-profile and large-scale events in Edinburgh, including the recent Royal Week, the Papal visit last year and the festival, therefore we will be drawing on that experience to keep policing costs to a minimum and ensure it’s an enjoyable day for the couple, their guests and the public,” he said.

Mr Marshall said there had been interest from the international media, however he could not disclose further details.

The force will not release details of the costs of security or the number of officers involved in the operation until after the event.

Police began security preparations immediately following the announcement of Canongate Kirk as the venue. However, few details of the wedding have been released by the palace.