PRINCE Charles was forced to turn down an invitation to a wedding in Knutsford at the weekend - because he was getting married himself.

Louise and Alex Culshaw had invited the Prince and Camilla to their wedding at St Vincent's Church on Saturday.

But then the royal couple - due to marry on Friday -were forced to delay their wedding 24 hours because of the Pope's funeral. Officials from Clarence House sent a polite letter back to the Knutsford couple, saying that Charles and Camilla would be unable to be in Knutsford because they were 'very busy'.

"His Royal Highness has asked me to tell you how touched he was by your kind invitation, but very sadly he is not able to accept," said Squadron Leader Richard Pattle, Equerry to the Prince of Wales.

"I am sure you will appreciate the reason why."

"It was a lovely reply from Clarence House actually," said Louise's dad Paul Raffo, 54, of Grassfield Way, Knutsford.

"It was quite funny. We passed it round to the guests on Saturday."

On Monday Paul said his 27-year-old daughter's wedding had been less star-studded than the royal do, but just as enjoyable for those involved.

"We were fortunate enough to just have our lovely church St Vincent's," he said.

"But I did mention in my speech that if anyone wanted to purchase an Alex and Louise commemorative mug they could do."

After Saturday's ceremonies the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall began their honeymoon on the 50,000-acre Balmoral estate in Scotland as Louise and Alex, 28, formerly of Legh Road, Knutsford, prepared to fly to the Maldives.

amac@guardiangrp.co.uk