Coach firm launches tours of Kate Middleton’s home village

The part of Berkshire where the 29-year-old grew up has been dubbed Kate Middleton Country.

A coach firm is operating tours of Kate Middleton’s home village in Berkshire ahead of the royal wedding.

The trip, which takes in the sights of Bucklebury, shows passengers local sights including the 29-year-old’s local pub and former primary school.

Tour operator Adrian Morton said there had been interest from companies in the USA and Japan for the tours of what has been called Kate Middleton Country.

Miss Middleton will marry Prince William on 29 April in London.

Other focal points in Bucklebury include the local church and the font where Miss Middleton was baptised.

The coach also passes her family home, which is hidden from view by trees.

‘Insatiable appetite’

NBC News reporter Keith Miller, who had a seat on the first tour which set off on Sunday, said there was an “insatiable appetite” for the royal wedding across the Atlantic.

“We will literally cover, as a nation, every single event regardless of how insignificant it may appear,” he said.

“If it gives us some insight into Kate Middleton or Prince William we will do it because our audience wants to know about it.”

Mr Morton, who operates Mortons Travel, said: “We have companies in America and Japan looking to try and hire our coaches to do tours.”

As part of the tour, tourists also visit the Old Boot Inn pub which the Royal couple often frequent.

Landlord John Haley – who has been invited to the ceremony at Westminster Abbey – said he was looking forward to the big day.

“They have been in and had a meal a number of times,” he added.

“Although we have known Kate for 15 years, it was still nervous when they both came in as a couple.

“But now they’ve been in quite a few times and it’s quite relaxed, they are just normal, down-to-earth, lovely people.”