William and Kate 'incredibly moved' by public reaction

Prince William and Kate Middleton say they have been "incredibly moved" by the affection shown to them since their engagement.

In a message printed at the beginning of their official wedding programme, the couple say they are deeply touched by people's reactions as they prepare for "one of the happiest days of our lives".

The words of the bride and groom were released as it was revealed that tomorrow's traditional wedding service will be the epitome of "Britishness".

William and Kate's message reads: "We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives.

"The affection shown to us by so many people during our engagement has been incredibly moving, and has touched us both deeply.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness."

The keepsake official souvenir programme, which includes the full Order of Service for the marriage ceremony tomorrow, also features a new black and white portrait of the couple by the celebrated fashion photographer Mario Testino.

In a close-up shot, both the Prince and Miss Middleton are wearing matching open-necked white shirts and are smiling broadly, with Kate leaning towards William.

In the much anticipated service, the music of famous classical favourites by Elgar, Britten and Vaughan Williams will all sound out around the ancient abbey.

From the popular hymn Jerusalem to the quintessential English melody Greensleeves, the couple have embraced the nation's musical heritage in their choice of choral pieces and compositions.

St James's Palace said many of the "stunning" pieces were picked by the bride and groom for their "theatre".

It was also revealed that Kate will not promise to "obey" her new husband in her vows but instead to "love, comfort, honour and keep" him, with the couple using the the Series One (1966) Book of Common Prayer ceremony.

William's father the Prince of Wales and stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall and Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and sister Pippa will all act as witnesses and sign the historic marriage registers during the ceremony on Friday.

It also emerged that the bride will walk up the aisle to the dramatic sounds of a coronation anthem - the soaring choral masterpiece "I was glad" by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry from Psalm 122.

It was composed for the crowning of Prince William's great-great-great grandfather Edward VII at Westminster Abbey in 1902, but is also popular at weddings.

As the choir begins to sing, the bride will begin her three and a half minute procession through the Nave and Quire to meet her Prince on her father's arm.

The newlyweds will leave the Abbey to the sounds of the well-known rousing orchestral march Crown Imperial by William Walton, which was also played at Charles and Diana's wedding.

The three hymns - "Guide me, O thou great Redeemer", "Love divine, all loves excelling" and Jerusalem which begins "And did those feet in ancient time" - are all favourites of the couple.