PRINCE William has given his fiancee Kate Middleton his mother's engagement ring as the couple announced they will marry next year.

Nine years after they met, the heir to the throne proposed to his long-term girlfriend on holiday in Kenya last month.

At a press conference today, Miss Middleton said that joining the Royal Family was a "daunting prospect" but added: "Hopefully I'll take it in my stride."

The Royal wedding will take place in London in the spring or summer of 2011, Clarence House said.

After getting married the couple will live in north Wales, where the Prince is serving as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

Senior Royals and politicians offered their congratulations to William and Miss Middleton, both 28, who met as art history students at St Andrew's University in 2001.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are "absolutely delighted", Buckingham Palace said.

The Prince of Wales said he was thrilled about his son's engagement, joking: "They have been practising long enough." His wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, who is William's stepmother, told a wellwisher the news was "absolutely wonderful".

Miss Middleton's millionaire parents Michael and Carole, a former air hostess, run a mail-order business called Party Pieces which sells toys and party paraphernalia. They said they were "absolutely delighted" and "thrilled" at the announcement.

Miss Middleton is expected to show off her engagement ring at a photocall with William at St James's Palace later.

Clarence House formally announced the long-awaited development in a statement issued just after 11am.

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 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."

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