AN ARCHDUKE is to marry his late wife's sister in a ceremony attended by royals from across the world.

Esme Malan and Franz von Habsburg are marrying today at St Margaret's Church in Rottingdean, two years after the death of Meryl von Habsburg, Esme's sister.

They said they had found love through shared grief and were certain the first Mrs von Habsburg would have been pleased for them.

Franz, who doesn't use his title, said: "I think it was her idea, I think she planned it with God.

"Meryl happened to have an unmarried sister of similar age and looks so what more can you say?

"It echoes the Christian message that out of death comes new life or for non-believers, from nature, winter brings death and springs brings life, it's wonderfully symbolic."

The sisters met Franz during a walk on the Sussex Downs 14 years ago and both hit it off with the film maker.

But it was Meryl who was courted by him and they were happily married for ten years.

She died of an aggressive form of breast cancer on March 30, 2004, four months after the death of her mother.

Esme, who lived in London, had always visited their mother at weekends and after her double loss she found comfort with Franz, attending church and going out for dinner with him.

They eventually grew closer and became engaged about a year ago.

When they had decided to marry, Franz took their vicar Father Martin Morgan to one side to tell him the news.

Franz said: "I showed him Esme's engagement ring and he threw his arms around us and said, I'm so glad, we were praying this was going to happen!'.

"The congregation let out a huge cheer."

Esme said she is sure her mother would not have minded the marriage.

She said: "I can't imagine what she'd say but I don't think she would mind. She was very fond of Franz."

Franz runs Brighton Film School, which was founded by Meryl.

Now Esme is getting more involved in the business by using her skills as an accountant.

Their wedding takes place today at 3pm, followed by a small champagne reception at the "church hall" - the cottage next door.

Guests will include the King of Burma, who has been in exile since a military junta took over the running of his country 15 years ago and renamed it Myanmar. Franz said: "We have got some funny friends. He's a very, very nice chap, very approachable."

Also attending are Princess Zouina Benhall, a French Moroccan princess and poet who used to live in Hove, and Lady Jacqueline Killearn, the wife of the ex-British ambassador to Egypt in the days of King Farouk.

The Marquis of Bath, who is known for his numerous "wifelets", has been invited but is not expected to attend as he spends six months of every year in St Tropez.

The couple, who live in Dean Court Road, Rottingdean, have invited the entire congregation of St Margaret's.

Franz said: "We said to the vicar, please invite all them to the wedding because they've all wished us well and we thought it would only be fitting for them to come to the service."