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Lionel Richie will allegedly be singing at Nicky Hilton's wedding later today.

The hotel heiress is set to walk down the aisle with her banker beau James Rothschild at lavish venue Kensington Palace in London, UK.

Lionel's daughter Nicole is the former best friend of Nicky's sister Paris, and it's the families' friendship that is said to have swayed Lionel to perform.

"Lionel has a break in his busy schedule in between performing in Henley-on-Thames and Switzerland. He doesn't normally do weddings but agreed as he's been pals with the Hiltons for years and was in the country anyway," a source told British newspaper The Sun.

'For them it's not like booking a huge star, more like an old family friend who will get up and sing. That's not to play down how amazing it will be.'

When Lionel finishes his set it's thought DJ Paris will take to the decks to entertain guests.

UK publication The Daily Mail report that Nicky will be wearing a couture Valentino gown worth at least £50,000, as well as her huge diamond engagement ring which is said to have cost £1 million.

The grounds of Kensington Palace, which is the late Diana, Princess of Wales' former home, will play host to a selection of famous and well connected guests, including one of the Ecclestone daughters, the offspring of Formula One chief Bernie.

Nicky's mother Kathy has apparently overseen the dress code for the big day, which will be black tie rather than the traditional morning suits often seen at weddings.