Charles postpones royal wedding

LONDON - Prince Charles has postponed his marriage to long-time lover Camilla Parker Bowles from Friday to Saturday so that he can attend the funeral of Pope John Paul in Rome.

The prince cut short his skiing holiday in Switzerland on Monday and flew back to London so he and Parker Bowles could attend a commemoration service for the pontiff in Westminster Abbey.

"As a mark of respect, His Royal Highness and Mrs Parker Bowles have decided to postpone their wedding until Saturday," said a spokeswoman at Clarence House.

He will be the Queen's representative in Rome.

The timing change could help resolve protocol problems not only for the prince but for others in the establishment, including Tony Blair and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

Williams, spiritual leader of the world's 77 million Anglicans, is due to officiate at a service of blessing for Charles and Camilla after their civil ceremony wedding.

Blair has already put off Monday's expected announcement of a May 5 election out of respect for the Pope, who died on Saturday aged 84.

Charles' wedding plans have been dogged from the outset by unexpected snarl-ups.

The venue had to be switched in a mixup over marriage licences, constitutional experts questioned the legality of a civil ceremony and the Queen has declined to attend the civil ceremony.

- REUTERS