Royal wedding: Newlyweds to attend Dundas Castle charity do

Published on Thursday 24 March 2011 10:40

PRINCE William and Kate Middleton's first official engagement as newlyweds could be at a charity bash on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Dundas Castle, in South Queensferry, will almost certainly be among the first venues to host the couple, possibly just days after they return from honeymoon.

The pair are expected to make an appearance as guests at an anniversary party for Tusk Trust, a UK-based wildlife conservation body of which Prince William is patron.

The event on May 19 takes place just weeks after their wedding at Westminster Abbey on April 29, with entertainment from Scottish singer Charlotte Gordon Cumming and impersonator Rory Bremner.

Neither St James' Palace nor Dundas Castle would comment on the likelihood of the couple attending.

But Ms Gordon Cumming revealed: "This will be a performance to remember and it is a great honour not only to be included in the line-up, but also to have the rare honour of singing before Prince William and Kate Middleton.

"Tusk Trust is a fantastic charity and it is a privilege to help raise vital funds to support its work through my singing."

She will perform songs from her album The Brave Songs.

Tusk Trust is a UK-based African Wildlife Trust aimed at conserving wildlife, promoting education and supporting community development programmes across Africa.

The Evening News told last week how Edinburgh-based youth charity Venture Trust was named as one of 26 charities on the couple's charitable wedding gift fund. The trust helps disadvantaged young people turn their lives around with the help of outdoor adventures.

Something to get your teeth into

While some companies are busy churning out souvenir mugs, flags and T-shirts to mark the royal wedding, one farm shop is creating a product with a difference - a royal sausage.

Craigie's Farm Deli and Cafe at South Queensferry is planning to start selling the Cumberland-style sausage next week.

The recipe, put together by butcher Steven Mitchell, includes wild boar, bacon and Anster smoked cheese.

Owner John Sinclair said: "It's something that's useful and that you can enjoy."