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Elton to pay for police on big day

Sir Elton in concert

The pair will "wed" at the elegant 17th century Windsor Guildhall in Berkshire - the Prince of Wales's choice of venue for his marriage to the Duchess of Cornwall in April.

While the ceremony is to be a private event, fans are expected to converge on the narrow streets of Windsor hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple.

After consultations between the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Thames Valley Police, it was decided not to close any roads.

Barriers will be erected around the Guildhall and police patrols will protect the couple and their guests from the expected crowds.

Local residents

For "operational reasons", police would not say how many officers would be needed - only that local residents will not be expected to foot the bill.

"Any extra policing costs incurred as a result of the event will not be met by the residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

"They will be met by the organisers," a Thames Valley Police spokesman said.

The pair are one of the first same-sex couples to take advantage of new laws allowing gay civil partnerships in the UK.