The guests - some of whom will attend the afternoon reception hosted by the Queen on April 29 - have been released by Clarence House.

Also listed are some guests who have already acknowledged their attendance at next Friday's wedding, including David and Victoria Beckham and Sir Elton John.

But the list highlights the absence of Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson from the event, while the Duke of York and their daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are to attend.

A total of 1,900 guests have been invited to the nuptials, which are expected to be watched by billions of people worldwide on television.
Sir Trevor Brooking and The Beckhams have been closely involved with Prince William in his capacity as President of the FA. All worked together as ambassadors of England's failed 2018 World Cup bid.

Actor Rowan Atkinson is a close friend of Prince Charles and Guy Ritchie is listed as "a friend of Prince William and Kate Middleton".

Prince William met swimmer Ian Thorpe on a visit to Australia in 2010 since when he has supported the 'Thorpedo's' charity work.

And as if to highlight this is a modern Royal Wedding, the press release states: "individuals listed above who are married or in civil partnerships have been invited with their spouse or partner."


Members of foreign royal families invited are The Crown Prince of Bahrain, the Sultan of Brunei, the Emir of the State of Qatar.

As the wedding is not a state occasion, heads of state have not been invited unless they are members of foreign royal families. US President Obama and French President Sarkozy are left off the guest list.

A number of dignitaries taking seats in the Abbey reflect the importance of the Commonwealth. The Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand line up alongside British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Australia's PM Julia Gillard is a strong republican who believes her country should become a republic at the end of the Queen's reign.

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