The Royal Wedding: A Guide to Who's Who

Royal connection: Father
Why we're excited: His wry comment on the proposal — ''They've been practicing long enough'' — makes us yearn for another sound bite.

Royal connection: Stepmother
Why we're excited: She's kept a low profile regarding the wedding so far, other than dubbing Kate a ''lovely girl.''

Royal connection: Uncle (Diana's brother)
Why we're excited: The outspoken earl gives a good speech (see: his eulogy at Diana's funeral).

Royal connection: Younger brother and best man
Why we're excited: Yes, big brother is the groom and future king — but Harry is the new heartthrob.

Royal connection: Got to know the prince in Africa during his gap year.
Why we're excited: They're still friends! Wills proposed to Kate on Craig's Kenya estate.

Royal connection: Hooked up with William before college.
Why we're excited: Anyone nicknamed ''the Gucci cutie'' (she reps the label) is all right by us.

Royal connection: Met Kate at St. Andrews, where they dated.
Why we're excited: Another supportive ex: The London solicitor is happily married himself.

Royal connection: Briefly dated Wills pre-Kate.
Why we're excited: She's got Kate's approval: Hunt, William, and Kate have even gone on ski trips together.

Royal connection: Mother
Why we're excited: Mothers of the bride have enough trouble choosing a dress — so what does the mother of a future queen wear?

Royal connection: Younger brother
Why we're excited: While his two sisters have grabbed the spotlight, we're more curious about this college dropout.

Royal connection: Father
Why we're excited: Will the man whom the prince calls ''Dad'' keep it together when his little girl walks down the aisle?

Royal connection: Younger sister and maid of honor
Why we're excited: All eyes will be on Kate's look-alike sis, the newest member of Britain's most-eligible list.

Royal connection: The Ab Fab actress reportedly worked with the prince on an eco-charity project.
Why we're excited: Sweetie darling, it's Patsy Stone!

Royal connection: Posh's hubby, soccer star David, met William while campaigning for England to host the World Cup.
Why we're excited: Two words: eye candy.

Royal connection: West performed at William and Harry's Concert for Diana in 2007.
Why we're excited: ''Speak now or forever hold your peace'' could be catnip to Kanye.

Royal connection: A longtime friend of Diana's
Why we're excited: The buzz is all about Kate's gown, but we're just as eager to see Sir Elton's ensemble.