Composer is happy to end fairytale trip with family

Chosen one: Paul Mealor said he had to sit down after being told his music would be used at the wedding

10 April 2012

A young composer whose music will be heard by millions at the royal wedding has told of his own fairytale journey to Westminster Abbey.

But Paul Mealor, 35, has revealed he will not be mingling with VIPs in London and will instead watch the ceremony in Anglesey - where the royal couple now live - with his parents.

Mr Mealor said he was thrilled to hear his motet, Ubi caritas, performed at rehearsals at the Abbey yesterday.

He revealed that the work had its premiere last year at the couple's former university, St Andrews, and said it was "unbelievable" to be told afterwards that they wanted to include it in their service. He added: "I had to sit down. It's amazing - the biggest gig in any composer's life.

"It says a lot about them. It shows a great amount of trust on their part to pick somebody who is young. The ceremony is going to be the most emotionally exhilarating hour of my life."

He has re-worked his original composition, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, for the wedding with the words of a 6th-century hymn, Ubi caritas.

Mr Mealor said the notions both of love and of service in the words - "Where charity and love are, God is there Let us love each other with a sincere heart" - seemed appropriate.

But he admitted he is happy to watch the wedding on TV, adding: "I don't really cope well with big things."