AceShowbiz - The second-in-line to the British throne, Prince William will marry his longterm sweetheart Kate Middleton on Friday, and the occasion will get off to a poignant start with the opening song.

The couple has chosen "Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer", which was the final song at Diana's funeral following her death in a car crash in Paris, France in 1997. It was also sung at a memorial service to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

It is believed the hymn was chosen after Middleton had a long discussion with her groom's father, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, about music for her big day.

A St James's Palace spokesman tells Britain's Daily Mail, "Catherine is very familiar with classical music. She had a lot of input from the Prince of Wales. They spent a lot of time listening to the music together on iPods."