Today, finally, "Waity Katie" will walk into Westminster Abbey through one door as a commoner and exit through another as the future Queen Catherine - reverting to her full Christian name.

A true fairytale for the millions of little girls - and big girls - watching worldwide, Kate will also be given a new title. As she’s not of royal blood, protocol dictates she cannot be called HRH Princess Catherine Princess of Wales. So today, the Queen will announce Kate’s official title - suspected to be HRH Princess Catherine of Wales. In fact, only Camilla is entitled to be called HRH Princess of Wales. However, she requested she be known as the Duchess of Cornwall. This was to avoid associations with her husband’s first wife - the beloved HRH Princess Diana of Wales. Who had to drop HRH from her title following her divorce, but was officially known as Princess Diana of Wales and recognised as such by royalty and the public. In line with royal protool, the Queen will also gift Prince William with a new title today. Rumoured to be something Scottish - as he met his future wife when they both attended St Andrew’s University in Fife.

The fact both Prince William and Kate Middleton have known each other for over a decade bodes well for this royal marriage. Rather than the few chaperoned private dates and organised public commitments of his parents prior to their ill-fated marriage, William and Kate have lived together for some time. As a result, they’ve weathered break-ups and trials and seem to have moved on from the first flush of love to something far deeper - that only time can bring. Kate certainly seems more prepared for royal life than Diana ever was. While Kate may not have had a noble upbringing, she has - over time - adapted to royal protocol and learned the ins and outs, ups and downs of The Firm she’ll be joining. It seems this is one royal bride entering the House of Windsor with her eyes wide open.

I personally wish both Prince William and his bride all the very best and have great hopes for the revival of this flagging monarchy. While a nation’s independence indicates progression, there is certainly something special about the traditions of monarchies -  which in recent years the United Kingdom has battled to hold onto. Certainly the influence Diana had on both her sons has left them with a natural ability to reach out to their subjects. Something they demonstrated just last night when they enthusiastically greeted the thousands of well-wishers outside their father’s residence  - Clarence House. Never has the royal family of the United Kingdom seemed so "real". And suddenly, since the fun antics and empathy for charitable causes of both Diana and Fergie once long ago breathed fresh air into the palace walls. It seems the Windsors - and indeed all of the United Kingdom - have much to celebrate.

I know of an Aussie mum-of-two - based in Singapore - who has travelled to the UK on her own, to stay across from Buckingham Palace and be part of all the action. Melissa is sooo excited about her trip and I hope she’s having a great time! But there are many other ways you can join in the fun:

• Gather with friends to watch the royal wedding live, with a flute of bubbles and a cucumber sandwich, from 3pm on April 29 (ceremony coverage from 6pm) on Starhub. BBC Entertainment (521), BBC Knowledge (407), BBC World News (701) and TLC (427).
• Visit The Britsh Club Royal Celebration Open Day on Sunday May 1 from 10am to 5pm. Enjoy fun activities for all the family - face painting, a magician and nail art, plus a relaxing day at this historic club, tours of the grounds, discounts on Club membership and free refreshments.
• Stay in a castle on your next trip to the UKand experience the royal treatment for yourself. Try Ruthin Castle and - my personal favourite - Thornbury Castle, where my Prince Alan first romanced me!

Image: Prince William & Kate Middleton, photographed by Princess Diana’s favourite photographer Mario Testino