Mounted soldiers escort a carriage down The Mall during a Royal wedding rehearsal in London, April 27, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Hundreds of UK troops have paraded through the empty streets of London in a dawn rehearsal for their ceremonial role during the royal wedding.

Wednesday's walkthrough saw army, navy and air force personnel in full uniform lining the route that Prince William and Kate Middleton will follow this Friday between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Mounted troops of the Household Cavalry escorted a horse-drawn carriage.

Starting about 5 am, the troops practiced and timed their roles to the second for Friday's celebrations - but without the crowds expected on the day. Organizers said the dress rehearsal went without a hitch.

The venerable abbey is closed to visitors on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the wedding.