It’s official: Prince William is set to marry his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton next year, Clarence House has announced.
William, who is second in line to the British throne, plans to marry Ms Middleton in London next Northern spring or summer and reside with his new wife in north Wales, where he will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force (RAF).
“We are both very, very happy,” the prince said.
Prince William had proposed to Ms Middleton while the couple were on holiday in Kenya in October, giving his fiancee his mother’s engagement ring.
Ms Middleton said joining the British Royal Family was a “daunting prospect”.
“Hopefully I’ll take it in my stride,” she added.
The couple, both 28, met at St Andrews University, Fife, where they both started out studying the same history of art course in 2001, although William later switched to geography.
William said using Diana’s ring was “my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement”.
Prince Charles said he was “thrilled, obviously” about the engagement and joked: “They’ve been practising long enough.”
Kate Middleton’s parents Michael and Carole said they were “absolutely delighted” and “thrilled” by the news of their daughter’s engagement.
Her father said: “We have got to know William really well, we all think he is wonderful and we are extremely fond of him.
“They make a lovely couple, are great fun to be with and we’ve had a lot of laughs together. We wish them every happiness for the future.”
The royal engagement was announced in a brief statement released by Clarence House yesterday.
It said: “The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.
“The wedding will take place in the spring or summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.
“Prince William has informed the Queen and other close members of his family.
“Prince William has also sought the permission of Miss Middleton’s father.”
The Queen said she was “absolutely delighted” for both Prince William and Kate Middleton.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said the engagement marked “a great day for our country” and wished the couple a long and happy life together.
He said he had received the news in a call from Buckingham Palace during a cabinet meeting, and it was greeted with “a great cheer” and “banging of the table” from fellow ministers.
Ms Middleton, who is six months older than William, was credited with persuading the prince to stay on as he struggled to adjust to university life during his first year.
The couple’s relationship was exposed in 2005 when they were photographed together on the Swiss ski slopes of Klosters.
They split briefly in 2007, but more recently Ms Middleton – who has no royal or aristocratic family connections – has been to several official events, heightening speculation of a royal wedding.
Ms Middleton is the eldest child of businessman Michael Middleton and former air hostess Carol.
She was raised in a modern five-bedroom detached house in the Berkshire village of Bucklebury and her family, who are self-made millionaires, run a mail order toy and party goods company.
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