Wills, Kate to NW England in last pre-wedding trip

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Ignoring a steady rain, Prince William and fiancee Kate Middleton visited northwest England on Monday to support local youth charities, the last trip in their pre-wedding tour of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Adoring crowds lined up early in Blackburn to get a glimpse of the royal couple, who plan to marry on April 29 at Westminster Abbey in London. One of them, Lillian Sleigh, braved a steady rain in her wheelchair, which was decorated with Union Jack flags and pictures of the royal couple.

"I came here early, even though it's pouring with rain, to make sure I get the best chance of seeing William and Kate," she said. "They're a lovely couple and as for William, his mother Diana would have been so proud of him."

Shops and pubs were decorated with flags.

The royal couple arrived first at the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, William gave a short speech to launch a ‘prince's award’ for SkillForce, one of the educational charities he supports.

They visited Witton Country Park in the afternoon as part of William's commitment to protect outdoor recreational spaces. Crowds swelled there in the morning despite the damp, leaden skies, and police were out in force.

"It was absolutely worth the wait," said Linda Gregson, 52, of Darwen, after spending 2 and 1/2 hours in the rain with her son to briefly see the royal couple.

Middleton looked elegant with her hair partly swept up and wearing a navy skirt and matching tailored jacket. She carried a matching clutch bag and wore high-heeled shoes despite the damp weather and mushy athletic field, where she started a race by dropping a white flag.

She and William, wearing a blue suit and red tie, mingled easily with youths competing in a series of athletic events, including a cycling competition for disabled teens. They shook hands several well-wishers and accepted bouquets of flowers.

Since announcing their engagement in November, the two have traveled to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, introducing Middleton to royal duties and to the British public.