A prayer every hour at Westminster Abbey for Kate and William

Prayers are being said every hour at Westminster Abbey today for Prince William and Kate Middleton before a major rehearsal tomorrow, it emerged today.

Duty chaplain the Rev Martin Hume said: "Today we pray for all couples preparing for marriage, especially today we pray for His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton as they prepare for their great day on Friday."

Mr Hume, who will deliver his prayer hourly, said: "We pick a message for each day and this was the one we chose for today's prayers. It is the first time that prayers are being said for them."

The Abbey, where the couple will wed in front of 2,000 guests, will close to the public tomorrow so preparations can get fully under way.

A full music rehearsal will be held tomorrow, with a dress rehearsal for clergy and broadcasters on Thursday. The prince and Miss Middleton, pictured, are expected to visit in the next two days for final preparations.

Visitors said there was a "sense of excitement" in the 930-year-old Abbey, where floral displays will be set out tonight. Over the next two days the red carpet along which the bride will walk will be laid, orders of service sent there and hundreds of congregation chairs put in place. Giant TV screens and cameras have been erected inside for broadcasters and huge press stands for photographers are being built.

The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who will conduct the service and be the first person to greet the bride after she emerges from her car, said the couple were handling the run-up to the wedding very well.

He said: "I'm not sure exactly what I will say to her. I suppose I might have to make up a joke or two.

"But I don't think I really will do that. I think I will just welcome her and assure her that everyone is with her -the congregation is made of up people who will be thrilled to be here."