Queen Elizabeth posts invites for royal wedding

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has sent out nearly 2,000 gold-embossed invitations to the wedding of her grandson Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, the royal household said.

The invitations, posted on Wednesday and Thursday, feature the Queen's EIIR insignia, stamped in burnished gold.

About 1,900 people -- ranging from family and friends to foreign dignitaries, diplomats, soldiers and charity workers -- have been asked to attend the service in Westminster Abbey, but no names have been revealed.

Some 600 will get the opportunity to enjoy a lunchtime reception with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, while a more select group of about 300 will be treated to an evening banquet hosted by William's father, Prince Charles.