It has been announced that Britain's Prince William is to marry his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton next year.
The Prince, a serving RAF officer who is second in line to the British throne, and Ms Middleton met while students at the University of St Andrews. They are both 28.
The office of his father, the Prince of Wales, said they became engaged last month during a private holiday in Kenya.
The official statement added: "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.
"Following the marriage, the couple will live in north Wales, where Prince William will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force."
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "Both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are absolutely delighted for them both."
The wedding will take place in the spring or summer of 2011.
The couple are set to appear in public together later today and Kate is expected to show off her new engagement ring during their first ever interview which will broadcast tonight.
Bookies are currently tipping August 13th as the favourite wedding date.
The news of the engagement was also announced by Clarence House on Facebook and Twitter after Queen Elizabeth signed up recently to the social networking sites.
