Palace rules out 3D royal wedding

Buckingham Palace has today ruled out the possibility of televising Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding using new 3D technology.

Sky had hoped that the showpiece event could be broadcast on the new Sky 3D channel, which was launched last October.

The satellite broadcaster even produced a mock wedding in 3D two weeks ago in Eastbourne, Sussex, and ran a 3D demonstration at the Guard's Chapel in Windsor.

However, the palace has ruled out the possibility of the ceremony on April 29 at Westminster Abbey being filmed in 3D, according to The Guardian.

Patrick Harrison, press secretary to the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, said that there were a "number of reasons" behind the decision, which was taken in consultation with the royal couple themselves.

In an email sent to broadcasters, including the BBC, Sky News and ITV News-producer ITN, Harrison 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 (albeit growing) 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."

Harrison acknowledged that many broadcasters are "increasingly enthusiastic" about 3D, and did not rule out a royal event being produced using the technology in the future.

"I hope you feel the process we have gone through will be helpful for other live events and of course we do not rule out facilitating 3D at some point in the future," he said.

"That said, I do hope we can now move forward on working through all the many other media logistics for the royal wedding so that we can all, together, ensure that this joyous event can be shared across the world."

Last month, Buckingham Palace announced that Sky News will produce and distribute the Queen's Christmas message for the first time this year, leading to speculation that the annual address could be made available in 3D.