Singer Morrissey has blasted Britain's royal family ahead of Prince William's wedding later this week, insisting he won't be watching the event unfold because the monarchy is full of "benefit scroungers".

The prince is set to wed Kate Middleton on Friday and the impending nuptials have been met with excitement from stars including Dame Helen Mirren and Snoop Dogg, while David and Victoria Beckham will be among those in attendance.

But the former The Smiths rocker, who is famously anti-royal, admits he can't understand the hysteria surrounding the marriage.

He tells BBC 5Live, "Why would I watch the wedding? Why would I watch it? I couldn't take any of that seriously. I don't think the so-called royal family speak for England now and I don't think England needs them. I do seriously believe that they are benefit scroungers and nothing else. I don't believe they serve any purpose whatsoever.

"The press reports from Buckingham Palace tell you that people love them, but go out now and speak to people on the street and they will laugh at you. They really will."В