Blog: Every little girl dreams of being a bridesmaid, though few get to walk down the aisle at Westminster Abbey behind a bride who will one day be Queen, writes Shirley Tart.

But that’s the exciting news for two little ones just named as attendants when Prince William marries his sweetheart Kate Middleton at the end of April.

For seven year old Lady Louise Windsor in particular, the special invitation was magical. Daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the pretty little girl has been kept out of the limelight to a great degree because she was born with exotropia, a rare eye condition which causes a significant squint.

But she copes well with any problems and her parents know that she will need to be very much in the public eye as she grows up. And Prince Edward and his wife Sophie will be delighted that their daughter can now look forward to a fairy-tale day with the cameras of the world fixed on what will be the wedding of the year.

Looking back at other royal weddings, those chosen to be so closely involved rarely escape attention for the rest of their lives.

Pictures of the wedding of William’s parents – taken by Lord Lichfield – remain memorable, especially one of the ‘giggle of bridesmaids’ falling about in glee and a great splash of posh frocks. A wonderful moment captured forever.

Now, Lady Louise Windsor is said to be ‘ecstatic’ to be first little bridesmaid announced by this year’s bride and groom.

While it is believed that Viscount Linley’s eight-year old daughter Margarita is also on the bridal attendant list. David Linley, son of the late Princess Margaret, and Prince Edward are first cousins – Edward is William’s uncle.

The young sons of Viscount Linley and his sister Sarah Chatto will very likely be pageboys which will also please the Queen.

And since Kate’s sister Pippa is widely expected to head the list of those supporting the bride as she becomes a royal and Prince Harry will be there solidly at his brother’s side, it’s clear that the emphasis for the happy couple is to be on family and those close to them. Even the global hi-jacking of the wedding of a future king will not change that.