Global General

Troops hold dawn rehearsal for royal wedding role

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-04-27 17:22

LONDON - Hundreds of troops have paraded through the empty streets of London in a dawn rehearsal for their ceremonial role during the royal wedding.

Soldiers sit on their horses outside the entrance to Westminster Abbey in London April 27, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

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Wednesday's walkthrough saw army, navy and air force personnel in full uniform lining the route Prince William and Kate Middleton will follow between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Mounted troops of the Household Cavalry escorted a horse-drawn carriage.

Starting at about 5 am, the troops practiced and timed their roles to the second for Friday's celebrations - but without the crowds expected on the day.

Organizers said the dress rehearsal went without a hitch.

The venerable abbey will be closed to visitors Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the wedding.