A few years late? Kate confirmed in preparation for wedding

LONDON — Kate Middleton has been confirmed as a member of the Church of England as she prepares to marry Prince William.

The ceremony was carried out by the Bishop of London Richard Chartres who will give the address at the April 29th wedding, took place on March 10 with Middleton, 29, accompanied by her family, a spokeswoman for St James's Palace said. The ceremony is usually undertaken during adolescence.

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"Catherine Middleton was confirmed by the Bishop of London at a private service at St James's Palace attended by her family and Prince William," the spokeswoman said. "Miss Middleton, who was already baptized, decided to be confirmed as part of her marriage preparations."

William himself was confirmed by Chartres in a ceremony at Windsor Castle, west of London, in March 1997 when he was 14.

As a confirmed member, she is entitled to receive communion in the Church of England. William is set to become the head of the Church of England when he becomes monarch.

Confirmation is not necessary to marry a future monarch, who also will be supreme governor of the Church of England. However, the Act of Settlement of 1700 bars Roman Catholics or the spouses of Roman Catholics from the throne.

Kate will need to get used to attending church: services play a big part in the life of the royals.

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