It’s just over a week until the wedding of Britain’s Prince William to Kate Middleton. Kate may be wearing the late Princess Di’s sapphire engagement ring, but on all counts this will be a more low-key affair. In 1981, Lady Diana Spencer arrived at her wedding in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, but plain old Miss Middleton just isn’t royal enough for that.

Instead, she’ll be arriving in a car. It’s a Rolls Royce, but the last time it was seen on TV, this Roller was being attacked by students protesting about tuition fees. Prince Charles and Camilla’s driver took a wrong turn into the volatile crowd, the car was splattered with white paint and the rear window was cracked.

It’s all being repaired in time for the wedding, down to matching the special claret paint specific to royal cars. Crown equerry Col. Toby Browne has given assurances the result will be flawless.

It’s typical of Britain’s royals that they haven’t splashed out on a new Rolls-Royce Phantom for the occasion. The royal household is famously careful with money and uses their cars for years. Plus, a new car would have to be loaded with all the security devices and special glass needed for all royal vehicles.

That said, this isn’t any old jalopy. It’s a Phantom VI given to the Queen for for her silver jubilee in 1977. It has a customised high roofline and big windows so onlookers on the streets and on TV will be able to get a clear view of the bride.

Once the couple are married and Cinderella Kate has been transformed into Princess Catherine, the couple will return to the Palace in the open carriage used by Charles and Di in 1981. Or, if it rains, they’ll ride in the 1881 glass coach used as Di’s bridal carriage. ­— Liz Turner