The armed royal protection cop would be expected to hurl his body over William and sacrifice himself as a last resort to prevent the Prince being killed or wounded.
Met chiefs have considered putting TWO armed guards on the coach. But Kate would probably have to fend for herself in an emergency because the other "postillion" will be a genuine royal servant.
A royal protection source said: "It is a terrible dilemma because the real servant is trained to handle the horses and would have to calm them. The only other option is for a closed, bullet-proof coach - but this was ruled out.
William and Kate know that, whatever the danger, tens of thousands of people lining the route want to be able to see them."
Protection officers have also been told they will not be criticised if they draw their weapons in a false alarm.
The source said: "Better they have their weapons at the ready than react too late."
The measures follow a near-disaster last December when thugs attacked Charles and Camilla's car during student riots.
The "bullet catcher" protection technique is only called on if one of the Royals is in imminent danger of injury or death.
Met chiefs privately hope rain will force Wills and Kate to use a closed coach. Heavy showers are forecast, but if it stays fine the couple will travel in the open 1902 State Landau used by Charles and Diana for their wedding in 1981.
ALMOST two-thirds of Brits think the nation is better for having a royal family - but just 37 per cent are "interested and excited" by the wedding, an ICM poll found.
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