William to give reading at funeral of Diana's mother

Prince William is to give a reading at the funeral of his grandmother Frances Shand Kydd.

His uncle Earl Spencer, brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, is understood to have asked William to take an active role in the service.

Prince Harry will also attend the service at St Columba's Cathedral in the Scottish coastal town of Oban, in Argyll, tomorrow afternoon.

Canon Donald MacKay, who will conduct the Catholic mass, said today it would be " inappropriate" to comment on the lesson William is due to deliver. Canon MacKay read Mrs Shand Kydd the last rites before she died aged 68 last week.

Hundreds of people are expected to pay their respects at the service at 2pm. Mrs Shand Kydd will be laid to rest near her home on the Isle of Seil.

A Clarence House spokeswoman declined to confirm that Prince William would give a reading. "This is a private family funeral," she said.