SUFFOLK: For one Suffolk family, the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton will be an extra special day.

While many of us will be enjoying the day off work and perhaps taking part in street parties, the family of William Lowther-Pinkerton will be watching closely as the youngster plays a crucial part in the nuptials.

Master Lowther-Pinkerton, known as Billy, has been chosen as one of two page boys for the much-anticipated wedding on April 29 at Westminster Abbey.

Billy is the son of Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who lives in Suffolk and is the part-time private secretary to Princes William and Harry since 2005. As revealed by the Evening Star in December, Mr Lowther-Pinkerton is one of the wedding planners.

Billy, who will be ten when the wedding takes place, will be joining other children with close links to the couple including Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Mr Lowther-Pinkerton, who lives with his wife and four children, announced the couple would marry at Westminster Abbey, a venue they chose for its “staggering beauty”. The day of the couple’s marriage has been made into an official Bank Holiday.

Mr Lowther-Pinkerton is understood to be a distant relative of Prince William as both are descended from William Ponsonby, 1st Viscount Duncannon.

Born in London and brought up in Alderton, near Woodbridge, the 50-year-old former Special Forces officer began his professional relationship with the royal family in 1986 when he was equerry to the late Queen Mother at Clarence House.

A statement issued by Clarence House said: “Miss Catherine Middleton has asked her sister, Miss Philippa Middleton, to be her Maid of Honour. Prince William has asked his brother, Prince Harry, to be his Best Man.”

Clarence House has also announced that the couple will return to St Andrews University later this month where they first met to launch the University’s 600th Anniversary appeal.

St Andrews principal and vice-chancellor, professor Louise Richardson, said: “I am delighted that Prince William has agreed to be Patron of our 600th Anniversary Appeal. Anniversaries are a time for reflection, celebration, and for action. St Andrews has much to celebrate and so much still to achieve. We hope that Prince William and Miss Middleton are the first among many who will reconnect with St Andrews and join in the celebrations.”

n Are you getting married on April 29, 2011? Or are you planning a street party to mark the royal wedding? Call the Star newsdesk on 01473 324790 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk