Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

Preparations for Paul McCartney's Wedding Underway

Aired June 06, 2002 - 05:45   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Apparently the question is not whether Paul McCartney will be tying the knot again, but when. Some say not until Tuesday, others say could be this weekend.

Declan McBennett, a reporter for RTE Irish Television, joins us on the telephone from outside Castle Leslie in Ireland.

And, Declan, is there any way you can tell from the activity around the castle whether it's going to be this weekend or early next week?

DECLAN MCBENNETT, RET IRISH TV REPORTER: Well, Fredricka, preparations are certainly underway. We have large marquees being constructed in the grounds of the 17th century castle known as Castle Leslie, a small (UNINTELLIGIBLE) just across the southern border here in Ireland. There are large, burly security guards, which we will all be familiar with, manning the gates. All the entrances have been locked. So preparations underway, but I don't think it will be today. I don't think -- I think your statement at the -- at the introduction that it will be early next week is probably more accurate.

WHITFIELD: Now I've heard some reports that the bride and groom may be choppered in if they're not in there already. What have you heard about their arrival?

MCBENNETT: Yes, we're led to believe that those looking off to attend this celebrity wedding will meet at Heathrow. They will be flown to Dublin and Belfast. Belfast is about an hour and 10, an hour and 15 minutes away from here, and they will be helicoptered in or else driven by limousine. But I wouldn't expect to see those limousines coming to Castle Leslie here today.

The locals, naturally enough, it's a big time for them. They're hoping that there will be huge tourism generated, revenue from this celebrity wedding. Ireland, of course, now becoming famous for its security weddings. Last year Pierce Brosnan, the James Bond star, hired it (ph). At (ph) the wedding of pop star from the Spice Girls Victoria Beckham with the English soccer star David Beckham.

So if you're lucky enough to be on the guest list, I think you can expect exclusive treatment, but maybe not for a couple of days yet.

WHITFIELD: Wow! All right, thanks very much, Declan McBennett. Any, and real quickly, Declan, any idea as to how many guests are invited?

MCBENNETT: We're expecting or we're led to believe at least that there will be between 200 and 300, some...

WHITFIELD: OK.

MCBENNETT: ... celebrities, but generally family and friends. Meant to be a quiet family affair in a very secluded spot here in County (ph) Monaghan.

WHITFIELD: All right, hope they achieve that.

Declan McBennett of RTE Irish Television, thank you very much for joining us on the telephone.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com