Martin Wilson School, in Shrewsbury, held royal wedding celebrations

The wait is almost over as final preparations were being made today just 24 hours before Prince William and Kate Middleton exchange vows in the wedding of the century.

But there were no signs of nerves with the prince and his bride-to-be looking relaxed as football took centre stage in the final 48 hours before their big day.

The future king took a ride on his motorbike to head out for a game of football with his friends in a south London park last night.

Maintaining his now well-documented desire for as much normality as possible William, the president of the FA, looked to have sincerely enjoyed the kick-about before jumping on board the 1,100cc Ducati to head back to Clarence House.

Wearing England shorts he joked and jostled with his fellow players betraying no sign of those pre-wedding jitters during a rough-and-tumble game of five-a-side.

Meanwhile Kate was spotted carrying a long dress into Clarence House as her family made their way to the capital to check into the Goring Hotel for the last night before the wedding.

But as she chatted outside the royal residence Kate looked equally calm amid the arrangements being made across London.

Although she did give a hint of the ceremony to come as an order of service was spotted in her car revealing the words “with so much love within”.

Plans today include beauty treatments for the future queen and events for foreign dignitaries who have been arriving in at Heathrow throughout the week.

And while the excitement builds in London, Shropshire is also in the party mood and gearing up for even more celebrations tomorrow.

Schools have already staged their tribute to the royal couple with St George’s in Clun making the most of the occasion to host their own mock wedding.

Meanwhile pupils at Oak Meadow School in Bayston Hill enjoyed a colourful bash yesterday complete with a sea of red, white and blue.

Today Newdale Primary School and Oakengates Nursery School & Children’s Centre in Telford, St Mary’s CE Primary School in Albrighton and Ifton Heath Primary School in St Martins, near Oswestry, will join in the fun.

Tomorrow the county will be buzzing with festivities as pubs, families and neighbours come together to hold own parties.

The Aston, near Newport, will be having a garden party and barbecue.

Shropshire Council has approved nine bids to hold on-street celebrations, including four in Shrewsbury, four in villages near the town and one in Bridgnorth.

By Tracey O’Sullivan