Queen opposes Bill for wedding

The Queen is resisting pressure for an emergency Bill that would clear the legal obstacle to the Prince of Wales's wedding because she fears it would provide an opportunity for "republican mischief".

The Queen is resisting pressure for an emergency Bill that would clear the legal obstacle to the Prince of Wales's wedding because she fears it would provide an opportunity for "republican mischief".

The Royal Family faces the prospect of a High Court challenge to prevent Charles marrying Camilla Parker Bowles in a register office that would delay the wedding in the Guildhall at Windsor planned for 8 April.

But Buckingham Palace has rejected a government offer to rush through emergency legislation. Ministers say that a new law is needed in any case to prevent Camilla from becoming Princess of Wales.

"The Palace don't want to give any opportunity for republicans to cause mischief in the Commons. They don't want to provide a focus for it," one said last night.

Nine formal objections have been lodged with the Registrar General, Len Cook, who must now rule on whether the wedding can go ahead. He is expected to agree with the Lord Chancellor's legal opinion that the Human Rights Act overturns prior legislation forbidding royalty from marrying in civil ceremonies.

Mr Cook's decision is open to judicial review in the High Court. Clarence House is left clinging to the hope that objectors will be deterred from making a challenge.