Prince William and Kate Middleton to marry
Nov 16 2010 By Matt McKenzie
PRINCE William and Kate Middleton finally announced their engagement today.
Prime Minister David Cameron was among the first to congratulate the couple, who will marry in London in spring or summer next year.
William and Miss Middleton, both 28, became engaged last month while on holiday in Kenya, Clarence House said.
After the wedding the couple, who met at St Andrews University, will live in north Wales where the Prince is serving with the RAF.
A spokeswoman for Mr Cameron said: ``He is delighted with the good news. He sends the couple his very best."
Labour leader Ed Miliband said: ``I'm delighted for Prince William and Kate Middleton and send them my very best for their wedding.
``The whole country will be wishing them every happiness."
Clarence House said in a statement: ``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 and Miss Middleton became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya.
``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."
Prince William had to ask the Queen’s consent to marry because of a law dating from the 18th century.
His grandmother will have signed an elaborate notice of approval, transcribed in calligraphy, and issued under the Great Seal of the Realm.
Under the Royal Marriages Act 1772, all descendants of George II must obtain the sovereign’s consent before they wed, otherwise the marriage would be invalid.
In practice the Queen was most unlikely to have withheld her blessing.
She would only be likely to have said "no" on the advice of the Prime Minister, whom she will have informed.
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