Paula Ebben In London: Numbers Behind The Royal Wedding
LONDON (CBS) - When Lady Diana Spencer became Princess Diana 30 years ago this summer, about 750 million people watched it live on television. At that time, it was the biggest event of its kind.
But, when Prince William marries Kate Middleton, the audience is expected to soar to 2.4 billion people around the globe, catching it via TV, radio or the internet. On the streets of London, about three quarters of a million people are expected, all trying to catch a glimpse of history.
WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben reports
300,000 of them could have the opportunity to snag one of the Royal Wedding coins. About 2,000 people actually received an invitation to the wedding inside Westminster Abbey.
600 guests will then be invited to a luncheon reception hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, and about 300 of that group will attend Prince Charles' soiree for the newlyweds.
$33 million will be spent on security to keep the Royal couple safe, but city officials say this event could mean an $80 million tourism windfall.
It's all in honor of a 29 year-old bride-to-be and her future husband – who's 28 – and future King or not – is a little overwhelmed by it all.
"I did the rehearsals the other day," Prince William admitted, "and my knees starting going and tapping quite nervously. It is quite a daunting prospect, but very exciting and I am thoroughly looking forward to it."
As is the global audience from around the world.
