I-DO TUBE; Royal wedding screened live to billions over internet.(News)

Byline: VICTORIA MURPHY

THE royal wedding will be shown live over the internet - so Prince William will be hidden away as Kate heads to Westminster Abbey to stop him glimpsing her dress.

In a world first, the couple will stream the big day on YouTube's Royal Channel and use Facebook, Twitter and Flickr to involve the two billion-strong audience expected to tune in next Friday.

In full view of the public watching online and on TV, the 29-year-old bride will leave Mayfair's Goring Hotel with her dad Michael at 10.51am to make her nine-minute journey along the Mall in a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.

With cameras and screens set up inside the Abbey, palace aides are taking no chances William, 28, might catch a glimpse of his bride's dress before she walks down the aisle.

So he and Harry will be shut away in the tiny side chapel of St Edmund and released only a few seconds before Kate makes her 11am entrance.

A source said yesterday: "There won't be anyone stopping filming of Kate's dress as she leaves the Goring Hotel. She will be in full view. If William didn't go into the side chapel there is a chance he could catch a glimpse of Kate on one of the cameras so it was the safest option.

"It was either that or put a blanket over his head.

"Kate is determined he won't see the dress until she walks down the aisle.

"She has gone to great lengths to keep the designer secret from him so to ruin it at the last minute would be heartbreaking.

"It will also give him time to compose himself away from the spotlight." The elite 1,900 guests, including David and Victoria Beckham and Elton John, will also miss Kate's journey to the altar, as screens inside will be frozen about 10 minutes before the service begins.

Viewers at home will be treated to the most comprehensive coverage.

The couple are also inviting people to join in on Facebook and Twitter and encouraging them to leave personal messages on their YouTube Wedding Book.

A St James' Palace spokesman said: "Kate's web experience has been invaluable.

Some online things baffled some palace staff, but she's found them easy."

Meanwhile, David Cameron yesterday said 300-year-old laws banning Catholics from becoming King or Queen should be scrapped.

The Prime Minister said earlier in the week he would also like to scrap the law giving preference to male heirs.

Mr Cameron added: "In principle I think both changes should be made.

"But it will take time because it's not just our decision, it's the decision of others as well."

WILLS stunned locals by playing in a five-aside football tournament in Battersea Park, South London, yesterday against radio station staff. He won 5-0.

CAPTION(S):

WEBBING Wills and Kate