Kate Middleton chooses William's cousin as bridesmaid

Queen Elizabeth's youngest granddaughter will be one of Kate Middleton's bridesmaids.

Seven-year-old Lady Louise Windsor -the daughter of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex - is said to be "thrilled" to have been chosen to walk down the aisle when Kate marries Prince William on April 29.

A palace source said: "Louise is thrilled to be chosen. She is absolutely cock-a-hoop and can't stop chattering about it. She'll look absolutely radiant on the day. Her mother is so proud."

Sophie has reportedly given Kate, 29, helpful advice about becoming a member of the royal family and her kindness is being repaid with the inclusion of Louise - who has been diagnosed with the rare condition exotropia in which one or both of the eyes deviate outwards - in the wedding party.

Another insider told Britain's Express newspaper: "Sophie has been very helpful to Kate, advising her on all the dos and don'ts of royal life. She has been a real ally. Sophie and Edward are both really pleased to see how happy this has made Lady Louise.

"She really is the loveliest, kindest, little thing. They know she is going to have to get used to being in the limelight. She is so, so excited and they are all going to look terribly sweet walking down the aisle."

Kate's other bridesmaids will include her sister Pippa, 26, as maid of honour as well as Viscount Linley's daughter Margarita, eight, Eliza Lopes, three and William's goddaughter three-year-old Grace Van Cutsem.

As royal protocol excludes the role of a best man from weddings, William's 26-year-old brother Prince Harry will fill the role of "supporter" with William Lowther-Pinkerton, 10, and William's eight year old godson Tom Pettifer as pageboys.

A source said: "It might be a global event but William and Kate still see this as a proper family affair. They don't want to offend anyone and don't want to leave anyone out."