Kate and Wills turn off plans for first royal wedding in 3D

Kate and Wills turn off plans for first royal wedding in 3D - They may have ‘tweeted’ their engagement and sent ‘save-the-dates’ to royal guests by fax.

But Prince William and Kate Middleton have drawn the line at 3D coverage of their wedding.

They yesterday banned broadcasters from using the technology to create images inside Westminster Abbey, which could have been shown on special screens.

Prince William and Kate Middleton yesterday banned broadcasters from using 3D technology to create images inside Westminster Abbey, which could have been shown on special screens

An aide told the BBC, Sky and ITN that despite the broadcasters’ ‘increasing enthusiasm’ for 3D, it would entail too many cameras and would cater for just a tiny number of people, who have to watch using special glasses.

The decision comes as a particular blow for Sky News, which has gone to great lengths to push for the technology at the wedding on April 29.

BSkyB, which launched a 3D channel in October, is even thought to have filmed a mock wedding in a church in Eastbourne, Sussex, a fortnight ago.

It staged a demonstration of the technology at the Guards Chapel in Windsor – but failed to impress courtiers.

One royal source said: ‘It’s mainly for logistical reasons. But 3D might have been just one step too far for Kate and William, let alone the Queen.’

Patrick Harrison, press secretary to Prince Charles, sent broadcasters an apologetic email yesterday saying that William, 28, and 29-year-old Kate had decided against the coverage.

He said: ‘I’m afraid I have to say that we have decided not to progress with 3D coverage of the service on this occasion.

‘There are a number of reasons for this, most notably the additional camera footprint in the abbey, the relatively small audience for 3D, and our desire to not be distracted away from negotiating and facilitating the optimal 2D, radio, photographic and online coverage of the day.’

The Queen wore 3D glasses for what is believed to be the first time in November, at the opening of a £12million research centre in Sheffield

But Sky may still create 3D images of other parts of the wedding day, including Kate’s journey to the Abbey by car and her return to Buckingham Palace by horse-drawn carriage.

Sky News has joined the BBC and ITN on a rota to produce the Queen’s Christmas message, leading to speculation that it may one day be broadcast in 3D.

Her Majesty, 84, wore 3D glasses for what is believed to be the first time in November, at the opening of a £12million research centre in Sheffield dedicated to the study of motor neurone disease.

Wearing a red hat, pearls and a silver brooch with the dark spectacles, she smiled broadly – but her grandson’s decision may be an indication that she was not amused. ( dailymail.co.uk )