A LECTURER based in Aberdeen said the recital of one of his original choral compositions at the royal wedding today will be "the most emotional intense and exhilarating hour" of his life.

Dr Paul Mealor, 35, said he was thrilled to hear that Prince William had personally chosen his piece Ubi Caritas to help mark his nuptials, with its inclusion in the order of service coming as a total surprise.

He said: “I was thrilled to hear that HRH Prince William of Wales had chosen my music for his wedding. How humbling it is for me to know that Prince William and Catherine will celebrate the beginning of their lives together with my music. The ceremony is going to be, without a doubt, the most emotionally intense and exhilarating hour of my life.”

The piece will be performed by The Choir of Westminster Abbey and The Choir of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, conducted by James O’Donnell.

The composer has taught at the University of Aberdeen since 2003.