Wedding of the century

Thousands of 'royalists' camp outside Westminster Abbey to secure box seats for witnessing the... 

This big day is finally here. Prince William and Kate Middleton are set to exchange vows at the Westminster Abbey in London today. 

Outside the wedding venue, thousands of Royal diehards were camped since Thursday to be able to be as near to the wedding venue as police barriers would allow. 

Huddled together for warmth, groups passed round hot flasks of Breakfast Tea, shared crosswords and pinned reels of bunting to any surface available as they waited for Britain's most famous couple to arrive. 

Fans of the royal family – royalists – have occupied every available inch along the wedding procession route, outside the Abbey and Buckingham Palace. 

For some fans, no distance or discomfort is too great if the prize is a prime view of the wedding. Some 200 people were already camped out on Thursday across the street from Westminster Abbey. Dozens of tents have been set up, but despite a chilly breeze some fans are making do with just mats or sleeping bags. 

Many campers have decorated their tents and chairs with Union Jack flags and pictures of the couple. Metal barriers in front of them are adorned with banners reading "It could have been me", "It's cold but worth it" and "Congratulations to the happy couple". 

VIP guests arrive in London 

A-list stars such as Sir Elton John, David Beckham and Mr Bean – the alter ego of actor Rowan Atkinson – have arrived in London to attend the wedding. Sir Elton – who memorably sang Candle In The Wind at the 1997 funeral of William's mother, Diana – was accompanied by his civil partner David Furnish. 

Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels filmmaker Guy Ritchie is another guest, however his ex-wife Madonna will not be present at the ceremony.