It may not command the worldwide audience of two billion and is unlikely to spawn the same variety of merchandise, but a massive security operation has nonetheless begun ahead of the year's second Royal Wedding.

Police and council officials in Edinburgh today stepped up their preparations for the marriage of the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips and England rugby captain Mike Tindall in the city on July 30.

Insiders said today that wedding guests are likely to include the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - which will attract thousands of visitors to the Scottish capital.