Prince William’s marriage to university sweetheart Kate Middleton may still be months away but it is fair to say St Andrews has already been gripped by wedding fever.
The pair visit the town where their fairytale romance first began and locals are determined to make the most of the couple’s only official visit north of the border ahead of their wedding on April 29.
It seems as if everyone is determined to get in on the act with everything from commemorative mugs to tempting pastries going on sale as the anticipation mounts.
Staff at the Carlton bakery have been creating truly majestic cakes and clearly hope they catch the royal couple’s eye during Friday’s walkabout.
Both William and Kate graduated in 2005, the prince earning an honours degree in geography and Kate an honours degree in history of art.
There can be little doubt that St Andreans feel a special affinity with the couple. While tomorrow is cause enough for celebration, there will be more to come in April as a huge street party is planned for the big day.
Among the St Andreans pleased to see William and Kate return to the town will be hairdresser Sophie Butler. She styled Kate’s hair when she modelled in the university charity fashion show where she caught her husband-to-be’s eye.
The salon owner was delighted when the pair announced their engagement last November.
Sophie said, “She was shy at the time, very reserved, but very sweet. She was very well brought up with nice manners.”