Kate Middleton chooses modern marriage vow; drops 'obey'

London, April 28: Royal bride-to-be Kate Middleton has chosen to take the modern version of marriage vow that does not include the commitment to ''obey'' the husband, according to the prayer book of the Church of England.

As part of the revised version of the prayer book, the bride in Church of England weddings is asked to take one of two vows: 1. ''(Wilt) thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?''

2. ''(Wilt) thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health? and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so, long as ye both shall live?'' Kate has chosen the second version that does not include the word 'obey', according to details released today.

There has been much speculation whether she will choose the ''obey'' version or not.

In a message on the eve of their wedding, Prince William and Kate today said: "We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives."

They added: "The affection shown to us by so many people during our engagement has been incredibly moving, and has touched us both deeply. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness."

The order of service announced reveals that Kate will walk up the aisle in Westminster Abbey to a coronation anthem "I was glad" by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry from Psalm 122.

It was composed for the crowning of Prince William's great-great-great grandfather Edward VII at Westminster Abbey in 1902.

PTI