Eco-Nuptials for Prince Will and Kate Middleton

Making the royal wedding as green as it is white.

ByABC News
March 16, 2011, 7:01 AM

March 16, 2011— -- The royal family may be steeped in history and tradition, but it's ahead of the curve when it comes to being green.

Prince Charles's eco-warrior status is well documented. A keen advocate of sustainable living, he hosted a 12-day garden party last summer to promote it.

So it's no surprise the green revolution has spread to his son. Prince Will and Kate have already made "green" part of the planning of their upcoming wedding.

ABC News spoke to marine scientist and former "eco-bride" Stephanie Wear to get some tips.

"I've been really excited to hear about the possibility of a green wedding for Wlliam and Kate," said Wear. "We're hoping that they will make visible green choices in their wedding which will inspire others to do the same."

It started with the proposal: Will popped the question at a safari reserve in Kenya.

And it's spreading to the wedding: the lucky guests are being asked to donate to charity instead of buying wedding gifts.

"This is a great move because so many wedding presents are unwanted and end up in a landfill," says Wear.

"There are so many eco-charities to choose from; the 'Adopt a Coral Reef' program, for example, helps to protect threatened habitats."

It has also been reported that couple's wedding cake, which is to be made by the Welsh National Culinary Team, will be organic and made with locally sourced ingredients.

"What you put in your mouth has become a political act," Wear told ABC News. "The cake is a huge symbol of the mood of Will and Kate's wedding."