'Shy Wills turns down pleas to show off Middleton at cousin's wedding'

London, April 18 (ANI): Prince William has turned down an offer from the Swedish royal family to attend the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria with Kate Middleton, it has emerged.

William, 27, is expected to use royal duties at the World Cup in South Africa as an alibi to stay away from the June 19 wedding.

"But he would rather go anywhere than a royal wedding at the moment," the Daily Star quoted a friend, as saying.

The source added: "The Scandinavian royals are a lot more relaxed about protocol so Kate could go. But William feels it would be like firing a starting gun and their faces would be on souvenir tea towels by the time the service was over."

Prince Charles is expected to accept the formal invitation when it arrives at Buckingham Palace later in the month. (ANI)