Queen to pay £40k to palace

THE Queen is to pay £40,000 out of her own pocket to make up for five days' lost revenue while the Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed for granddaughter Zara's wedding.

The palace will be closed to the public from Wednesday until Monday so Zara and rugby ace Mike Tindall can have their reception there after marrying at nearby Canongate Kirk on Saturday.

The couple are also to host a private pre-wedding party on board the former royal yacht Britannia on Friday night.

Meanwhile, speculation was mounting over Zara's dress for the big day. Stewart Parvin, who trained at Edinburgh College of Art, has been chosen to design the dress.