Royal Wedding to host 2,000 guests

Almost 2,000 guests have been invited to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Their names have not been released but the Westminster Abbey congregation is expected to feature celebrities, leading politicians, heads of state and royalty from across the world.

Around 1,900 people will watch William and Kate exchange their marriage vows on April 29, with more than half the guests drawn from the couple's family and friends, St James's Palace have announced.

But many royal watchers will be waiting to see if leading world figures like US President Barack Obama, singer Elton John or rapper Kanye West are amongst those taking their seats in the Abbey.

The number of guests will be reduced for the lunchtime reception, where around 600 relatives, friends and dignitaries will toast the couple at Buckingham Palace.

The evening dinner followed by dancing will be a more intimate affair, with just 300 of the couple's loved ones gathering at the palace.