Madonna wanted to marry at stately home where Diana lies buried

Earl Spencer, Diana's brother, had reluctantly turned down the request, which was accompanied by a substantial offer of payment, the Telegraph said. The idea was to use the house and chapel, with perhaps some pheasant shooting for the guests afterwards.

"It is true we had a number of conversations with Madonna and we decided we could not provide the facilities she wanted," a spokesman for the earl said. Madonna is now to marry at Skibo Castle, in the Scottish Highlands, on December 22.

(la/dpa)