One of the most seasoned royal fans in Britain has staked out his place in front of Westminster Abbey for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

John Loughrey, 56, was the first to arrive last night with only a sleeping bag and two carrier bags at the start of a week-long vigil to ensure a prime position for the event.

He was dressed in a Kate and William T-shirt, emblazoned with the words “Diana Would Be Proud” with the images of Kate and William tied round his waist and a Union flag hat.

The former assistant chef, from Wandsworth, south west London, a self-confessed “super fan” of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, said he planned to stay in his position until Saturday.

“I have always been loyal to the Royal Family,” he said.

“I think they are good for Britain and good for tourism. We have had them for more than 1,000 years and they make a great contribution to the life of this country.”

Mr Loughrey said he had attended every single hearing of the inquest into the death of Diana, camping for three days outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London.

He became so well-known at the inquest – with “Diana” and later “Dodi” painted on his face – that he was even given a special mention by the coroner, Lord Justice Scott Baker.

Mr Loughrey added: “Diana would be proud of her son Prince William and Catherine’s marriage with Prince Harry as best man. She will be with them in spirit in Westminster Abbey on their special day and always.”

Royal fan Ms Guen Murray, 76, from Attleborough, Norfolk, also arrived to take up a place outside Westminster Abbey with a bedding roll, suitcase and a large ball of wool to knit during quiet moments.

The mother-of-four and grandmother was planning to camp until Friday to ensure her place. But she said one of her daughters has booked her a hotel room as a “contingency”.

Daughters Catherine and Patricia were with her and she was due to be joined by her third daughter Barbara on Wednesday along with two grandchildren.

Mrs Murray, a former accounts superviser, said she had camped outside Buckingham Palace for Prince Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981. She was also present in London for Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s wedding and in Windsor for the wedding of Charles and Camilla.

Retired insurance salesman William Willis, 76, drew a big crowd alongside Mr Loughrey dressed in a homemade turban, white coat and sparkly slippers.