Archbishop of Canterbury to conduct William and Kate's wedding

'The Sunday Telegraph' report has put an end to mounting speculation in Britain that the Archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams, may be overlooked for the role in favour of Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London.

While Dr Williams will preside over the royal wedding in Westminster Abbey, Bishop Chartres would deliver the sermon after it was decided to share responsibilities between the two clerics by giving them both prominent roles, the report said.

Bishop Chartres is close to the second-in-line to the British throne having led his confirmation and counselled him after his mother's death.The lack of a formal announcement saying who would be conducting next year's royal wedding had led to bemusement and consternation at Lambeth Palace, according to church insiders who believe Dr Williams has been undermined by speculation over whether he would be chosen for the role at the ceremony.

Senior Church figures are becoming increasingly frustrated by the failure to clarify the situation nearly a month after the couple announced their engagement.Although the key roles have been decided, royal aides said that no formal announcement was imminent.
Officials at the Abbey, led by the Rev Michael Macey, senior minor canon, have begun planning arrangements for the service, which is being held next April. It is understood that the Very Rev John Hall, the dean of the Abbey, will read the prayers.