Royal Watch: Today’s royal wedding programming (4/18)

By Lori Acken

So … did you get out your tiara and your tea set and set your alarm clock for the wee hours of the morning when Prince Charles married winsome schoolmarm Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981? If you did, you were one of 750 million folks around the world who tuned in to see the nervous girl with the blond bangs and 25-foot train walk into St. Paul’s Cathedral a Lady and emerge a Princess … and an icon.

Three decades later, the late Diana’s oldest son, William, 28, will make a royal marriage for himself when he weds former schoolmate and longtime love Catherine “Kate” Middleton on April 29 at the traditional 11am London time. Which means that if you plan on attending via your sofa and TV, you’ll need to be wedding-ready by 6am ET/3am PT.

Can’t wait till then to get your royal wedding fix? We’ll be counting down the pre-ceremony programming devoted to the pomp, the circumstance, the handsome army colonel who may one day be king and his pretty princess-to-be in the days leading up to the big event.

MONDAY, APRIL 18

William & Kate — Lifetime, 9pm ET. This Lifetime original movie tells the story of how the friendship between Prince William (Nico Evers-Swindell), second in line to the throne of the British monarchy, and stunning commoner Kate Middleton (Camilla Luddington) blossomed into a romantic love affair.

Royal Wedding of a Lifetime — Lifetime, 11pm ET. This six-part special beginning tonight will examine William and Kate’s romance; how Kate measures up to Princess Diana; speculation about the wedding gown; the royal feast; a complete rundown of the wedding day; and a glimpse into what the couple’s future may hold. The first episode is “A Day to Remember,” in which royal experts, top wedding organizers and celebrity commentators imagine the joyous occasion from the second the future king and queen wake up on the big day to the moment they finally tie the knot.

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© 2011 Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Credit: Tim Rooke/Rex Features