Kate Middleton visits 'royal wedding venue' Westminster Abbey

The 28-year-old paid a brief visit last night to the Abbey, which has hosted the weddings of the Queen and Queen Mother and was where the funeral of William's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was held.

However, the couple, who were today spending their first day apart since announcing their engagement, said they needed more time to make the final decision about where and when they make their vows.

A St James's Palace spokesman said: "Miss Middleton paid a short, private visit to Westminster Abbey in order to be able to consider it as an option.

"The couple wish for a little more time to be able to consult family members and make a decision for themselves."

Miss Middleton made the visit by herself as William had returned to North Wales to continue his work as an RAF search and rescue pilot.

The couple were said to be "on cloud nine" after discussing marriage plans with royal aides during meetings yesterday.

Royal officials will now consult with the Queen, senior royals, Miss Middleton's parents and others before reporting back to the Prince and his fiancee, who will make the final decision.

The full cost of the wedding will not be known until major elements such as a venue are decided, but the spokesman stressed that William and Miss Middleton were conscious of the country's economic situation.

Gallery: Royal romance of Prince William and Kate Middleton

The official announcement about the venue and date for the wedding is expected in the coming days.

The couple are thought to favour a March date for their big day but some time in the summer may also be picked.

The St James's Palace spokesman added: "All options are on the table and they've given us clear direction in terms of dates and venues.

"Now our job is to consult with the relevant parties - the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, the Middletons and other parties - and report back.

"We will give them the results of that consultation so they are in a position to make a decision."

Westminster Abbey, which has been the coronation church since 1066, was the venue for Diana's funeral in 1997.

During the service, William, who was 15, walked with his younger brother Harry behind their mother's cortege into the church to say his final farewell to her.

The Prince's engagement announcement has prompted the public to have a flutter on a range of wedding-related bets, with Westminster Abbey emerging as the favourite venue among punters with odds of 8-11.

The policing bill for the wedding, to provide security for the public and guests who could include world leaders and royalty from across the globe, could run into tens of millions of pounds.

But broadcaster Tom Bradby, who was the first journalist to interview the Prince and his fiancee, said the royal wedding would be a boost to UK tourism.

Last night at a charity gala for The Prince's Trust, Sir Tom Jones offered to sing at the wedding - if invited.

"People all over the world are excited about the royal wedding and I'm one of those people," said the Welsh star.

"I've always been a royalist and I always will be.

"If they invite me along to the wedding I'd happily come and sing a few songs."

Good wishes also came in from other celebrities including former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, presenter Ben Fogle and actor Martin Clunes.

Fogle, who interviewed William for a documentary when the Prince was in Botswana during the summer, said: "I'm very happy for both of them. For the Royal Family and the nation as a whole. I think it's a fantastic lift as we come into a dark winter."

The presenter, who was speaking at a reception in celebration of rural life held by the Queen at Windsor Castle yesterday, added: "He (William) said during my interview, when I asked him how he would describe Africa, that it was his second home.

"The Queen was also in Africa when she came to the throne so it has a significance for the Royal Family."

In the months leading up to the wedding, Miss Middleton will be handing over her duties at her parents' company, Party Pieces, and will give up the role when she joins the Royal Family, the St James's Palace spokesman added.

Gallery: Royal romance of Prince William and Kate Middleton