Royal Wedding: From across the world, crowds gather for William and kate where

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Royal Wedding: From across the world, crowds gather for William and Kate
About 5,500 street parties are expected across Britain on Friday, including in the Scottish university of St Andrews, where William and Kate met.


LONDON - Thousands of ecstatic royal fans erupted in a frenzy of flag-waving and cheering on Friday as Prince William made his way to Westminster Abbey for his marriage to long-term gairlfriend Kate Middleton.


Many well-wishers had spent the night sleeping in the streets around the abbey to make sure they got a prime spot to see William and Middleton emerge as a married couple. Some had descended on London from the far corners of the globe.


"I managed to catch a few hours' sleep in a doorway, but I don't mind, today is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I had to be here," said Canadian Jay Edmonds, before William and his brother Harry rode past in a car dressed in military uniforms.


In London's Hyde Park, giant screens beamed footage of the day to a crowd of all ages, creeds and backgrounds.


"I'm not a royalist, but it's an excuse for a party," said 28-year-old Ceris Mumford, dressed up as a bride.


"It should have been me," shouted nurse Jo Newman, 27, clutching a bouquet of plastic roses.


Across Britain, communities were gearing up for street parties and a welcome day off to celebrate the most talked about British wedding in decades, but hardcore fans along the streets of Westminster were already well into the swing of things.


Draped in a Union Jack flag, with tufts of white hair poking out from under a Union Jack hat, 77-year-old Terry Hut has spent five days establishing his position at the front of the barriers for his fifth royal wedding appearance.

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"They will walk in as single people but when they walk out on that pavement, they will be the future king and queen of England," he said.


"Even if I can catch a glimpse of the queen or other members of the royal family for a few seconds, that's just magic."


Crowds lined the parade route that the newlyweds will take from the abbey to Buckingham Palace, some wearing masks of the happy couple. Tourists wielded their own national flags while women sported tiaras and posh wedding hats.


"Kate is really nice and pretty," said 10-year-old Grace Spalton, with mum, sister and friends. "I hope she comes back in an open carriage."


William, second-in-line to the throne, and Kate have already said thanks for the outpouring of affection this week. The pair will parade between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey after their nuptials to greet the hoards of adoring fans.


Along the Mall, the avenue which runs up to the palace, Norwegian investment banker Lene Holten, a 28-year-old also getting married this year, was desperate to see Kate's dress — the subject of much debate.


"I've already bought mine, but I'm looking forward to seeing the dress because there's been so much secrecy," she said.


"She's (Kate) closer to the public because she's not royalty. She brings a breath of fresh air to the family."


People wave British flags outside Buckingham Palace during the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminister Abbey, in central London April 29, 20



Fans from all over the world are getting ready for the Royal Wedding in London.



Royal supporters set up tents on the mall near Buckingham Palace in London on Thursday on the eve of the big wedding.



Royal fans dressed as King and Queen of Hearts walk along the Mall in central London, ahead of the royal wedding, on Thursday. Britain's Prince William will marry his fiancee Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London on Friday.

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Catherine Middleton (right) her mother Carole and sister Pippa arrives at The Goring Hotel after visiting Westminster Abbey on Thursday in London, England. Christopher Furlong



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A smiling Queen Elizabeth II attends a gala pre-wedding dinner held at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park on Thursday in London, England.