THE Queen may have decided not to attend the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla.

But a Queen will be present at the marriage of one couple on the same day.

Nick Nelson and Caroline Bowman, of Darlington, will be married at the town's Blackwell Grange Hotel on April 8 - the day that Charles and Camilla tie the knot.

The Queen was accused of snubbing her son's wedding last month when Buckingham Palace announced she would not be attending the civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall.

But a Queen will attend the special day of Nick and Caroline - close friend Christine Queen and her husband, Jim.

"We've got the Queen coming to our wedding - and her husband, Mr Queen," said Nick, 36.

"Quite a few people know Chris and know her surname's Queen, so it's been quite amusing."

Nick has known Christine for six years. The friends met through work at a bank inside the Morrison's store in North Road, Darlington.

"I knew they were getting married before Charles and Camilla announced their wedding, and I said it was a shame that they couldn't have Windsor Castle - but at least the Queen would be attending theirs," said Christine, 52 of Darlington. "We've had quite a laugh about it, and we're all really looking forward to the big day."

Not only will Nick and Caroline share their day with Charles and Camilla, in less than five weeks, but it is also the wedding day of another high profile couple - Ken and Deirdre, from Coronation Street.

But unlike the Queen, who is said to favour an early departure from the reception of her son and future daughter-in-law so she can watch her favourite soap, Christine would not miss her friend's reception for the world.