THE Queen has given her formal consent to Prince William's forthcoming marriage to Kate Middleton. Her Majesty — who celebrated her 85th birthday today — signed an elaborate state document giving her approval to Wills and Kate's wedding so the marriage would deemed valid. In it the monarch gives permission to the union of "Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, K.G. and Our Trusty and Well-beloved Catherine Elizabeth Middleton". Under a law dating back to the 18th century, all descendants of George II must obtain the sovereign's agreement before they wed. Typed in calligraphy, the notice is tied by gold braiding to the wax Great Seal of the Realm, a seal used to symbolise the monarch's approval of important state documents. Source: The Sun