The Royal Wedding Will Be Released Digitally for the First Time 4/29

For the first time in history, when Prince William marries Catherine Middleton next month, the Royal Wedding ceremony will be recorded and immediately released digitally. Decca Records, one of Britain's historic record labels, will release the entire wedding service on the world's foremost download and streaming platforms within hours of the service ending.

The Official Album of the event, to be held in Westminster Abbey on April 29th, will then be rush released, available everywhere in the U.S. on May 10th. Musicians already confirmed to perform at the ceremony include The Choir of Westminster Abbey, The Chapel Royal Choir, The London Chamber Orchestra and The Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. The Choirs will be under the direction of Mr James O'Donnell and The London Chamber Orchestra conducted by its Music Director and Principle Conductor Mr Christopher Warren-Green.

Decca Records is a part of Universal Music, the world's leading record company, which also released the recording of The Wedding of Charles and Diana, Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981, and the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. The uniquely original new recording will be the next in a historic line to mark major milestones for the royal family, and as such it will enter the homes of millions across the whole world.

The physical album will include a special collector's booklet featuring the complete order of service, the readings, vows, hymns and blessings, and all the music from what is expected to be a global event exciting the biggest audience in television history. The format of release will be digital download, CD and vinyl to cater to consumers of all ages.

The album will be produced by one of the world's finest classical record producers, Anna Barry, who has produced over 500 recordings of distinction for over 25 years, ranging from works by Andrew Lloyd Webber to opera at the Mariinsky Theatre with Valery Gergiev, and many other legendary artists including José Carreras and Zubin Mehta.

The multi-Grammy-nominated producer said of the Royal Wedding recording: "this is a great honor and an enormous responsibility. The wedding means so much to millions of people all over the world - we have to capture every note and every nuance perfectly and have the recording ready within minutes of the end of the ceremony."

Dickon Stainer, President of Decca Records said: "This will be the first Official Royal Wedding Album ever to enter the worldwide digital charts. It will capture a piece of history for a new generation".

David Joseph, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK, said, "The Official Album for The Royal Wedding will complement everyone's personal memories of the event. Thanks to digital technology we will be able to deliver it worldwide almost instantly - it will be the fastest we have ever released an album of this stature."