The Gillingham man who taught Prince William to fly will be among 12 specially-chosen service personnel lining the path outside Westminster Abbey's Great West Door today as the royal couple emerge.

Wing Commander Kevin Marsh, 40, originally from Gillingham, near Beccles, has not only been asked by the prince to be one of the path liners but has also received an invitation to the wedding itself.

'It's an amazing honour. I've been lucky enough to know the prince for about three to four years but I never thought that I'd receive one of those golden tickets, if you like, to the wedding,' said Wing Cmdr Marsh who will attend with his wife Nikki.

And watching from home today, trying to catch an image of him on TV, are proud parents Rodney and Patricia Marsh, who said they were 'extremely proud' of their son.

Wing Cmdr Marsh, who is based with William at RAF Valley in Anglesey, joined the RAF in 1989 and was selected to run the Prince's RAF training when he went to the air force for a detachment in 2008.

In his childhood he studied at Gillingham First School, was head boy at Norwich School and went on the study at the Shrivenham military university.

He first got his pilot's wings in the US and after receiving more advanced jet training was posted at RAF Coltishall until it closed.

The jet pilot, with more than 20 years' experience of flying Jaguar ground attack aircraft, taught William how to fly so that he could get his pilot's wings.

Speaking earlier this week about how William might be feeling in the run-up to the big day, he added: 'I'm sure he'll be very nervous. I'm sure he's there learning his lines right now but I have no doubt he'll be perfect on the day.'

Wing Cmdr Marsh added that, as a guest, he will be celebrity-spotting like everyone else. But he will then go on to form part of the 24-man party - eight from the RAF, Army, and Navy - that will line the steps of Westminster Abbey when the newly-weds emerge for the first time.

He said: 'My wife and I are extremely excited about the wedding and are both looking forward to attending. I am fortunate to have worked with the Prince, both in the RAF and with his charitable work, and I want to wish him and Catherine the best of luck for the future.'

Wing Cmdr and Mrs Marsh have three children: Imogen, 12, Ruby, nine, and Hugh, seven.

In his leisure time he enjoys sailing, cycling and running.