(From left) Britain's Prince Charles, his partner Camilla Parker Bowles and British Prime Minister Tony Blair attend a service in Westminster Cathedral in London on April 4, in memory of the late Pope John Paul II.

The last-minute change of plans was the latest in a string of forced changes to the wedding of the heir to the throne and his longtime love.

The prince's official residence, Clarence House, said he had taken the decision as a mark of respect after cutting short a ski trip with his sons in the Swiss Alps.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, a guest at both state events, himself delayed announcing the date of a general election, now set for May 5.

The pontiff's death raised a new hurdle for the couple -- both divorced and with two children apiece -- who had had to rush their engagement announcement Feb. 10 after a London newspaper was poised to break the news.

They settled for a civil service inside the 17th century Windsor Guildhall, as the Church of England will not marry divorcees. But Queen Elizabeth then decided to miss the service, reportedly because it conflicted with her role as supreme governor of the church.

The couple's plans to marry in Windsor Castle, now the venue for a religious blessing and reception, were also foiled by the discovery that the venue lacked the necessary license.

They faced formal legal objections to their union, too, although all were later dismissed.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 9, 2005
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