The marriage of Britain's Prince Harry to the American actress Meghan Markle is just hours away now.
It's been confirmed that Prince Charles will be walking Meghan down the aisle with her father due to miss the wedding because of ill health.
With tens of thousands of spectators expected in the town of Windsor where the wedding is being held, excitement is building as Paul Barber reports.
IN: UPSOT/Brass bands and bunting…
OUT: SOC
DUE: 2:33
The World: SABC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0518weddingpreviewpkg-pb-world.mp3
UPSOT
Brass bands and bunting….Are on full display.
And it can only mean one thing. The royal wedding is upon us.
Crowds already gathering in Windsor, just west of London, were treated to part of the dress rehearsal involving more than 250 military personnel.
This was a practice run of the procession Prince Harry and his bride Meghan Markle will make through the town after the service in St. George's chapel, Windsor castle....Giving locals and tourists alike a tantalizing taste of the big day.
VOXPOP
"I think it's full of joy and celebration and I think everyone is happy about this occasion and wish them good luck."
VOXPOP
"Oh my goodness it's perfect atmosphere, it's perfect, it's lovely weather, people from all over the world are here. And everybody's happy, anything that's royal makes everybody happy."
As final preparations are completed behind the castle walls, out here there's already a party atmosphere. 100 thousand people are expected to descend on Windsor and line the streets hoping for a glimpse of the happy couple.
VOXPOP
"Buzzing atmosphere, everyone is happy, everyone is waiting."
VOXPOP
"I'm just happy to be able to be part of some of the celebrations."
Windsor is well versed in royal pomp and pageantry. Dereck Prime of The King and Queen gift shop says they're doing a roaring trade in Harry and Meghan mugs, magnets and even mock engagement rings.
SOT - Derek Prime, King and Queen gift shop
"We're in the right place…we're in Windsor, so we've got the ring, to go with it. So I could nip out and stop the carriage and say 'hang on girl I've got the ring, I've got a bigger ring than he's given you!'"
Tracy Ball is also hoping her self designed hats and scarves will prove a hit with well wishers.
SOT - Tracy Ball, souvenir seller
"Everyone is just so excited to see what she's going to wear, all the carriages. I mean no one does it better. We do it best don't we so really looking forward to it."
Prince Harry may only be 6th in line, to the thrown, but he and Meghan Markle - until recently an actress, already enjoy international celebrity status.
Royal historian Dr Anna Whitlock of the university of London says they bring a fresh dynamism and modernity to the royal family - and extra attention to the charitable causes the couple champion.
SOT - Dr. Anna Whitelock, University of London royal historian
"There is no doubt that the marriage of an American divorcee, mixed race, does mark a departure and a step forward and a move towards embracing a more inclusive royal family."
The sunny weather is expected to hold throughout Harry and Megan's wedding day - as they begin married life very much as it will continue - under a big spotlight.
Paul Barber, Windsor.