Buckingham Palace has denied that Queen Elizabeth's decision not to attend the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles is a snub to the couple.
The Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles will marry at a civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor on 8 April.
A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth's decision not to attend is because the couple 'wanted to keep the occasion low key'.
The palace has also pointed out that the Queen would be attending a blessing in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle afterwards, and that she would be paying for the reception.
However, the Queen's absence from the registry office is being interpreted as disapproval of the marriage, and of her son's 30-year affair with Mrs Parker Bowles.
Princes William and Harry and Mrs Parker Bowles' children Tom and Laura will be present at the wedding.
