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What are the laws that govern royal marriages? Peter Hunt, BBC's royal correspondent, looks at the rules that bind Prince William and Kate Middleton as they prepare to walk down the aisle.
For a young man who craves a "normal" life, it was yet another reminder of just how abnormal his existence can sometimes be. Last year, Prince William had to check that his grandmother wouldn't object to him marrying Kate Middleton. It was both a formality and a requirement under British law. The Queen readily gave her consent. William can thank one of his royal ancestors for imposing this hurdle on his path to marriage.
Back in the 18th century, as well as dealing with the challenging issues of losing the American colonies and serious bouts of illness, King George III was also vexed by the behavior of his younger brother. The Duke of Cumberland had married, in secret, Lady Anne Horton. She was said to have "bewitching eyes" and was regarded by the King as highly disreputable. Incensed, he took action and a bill, known as the 1772 Royal Marriages Act, came in to being.
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