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What fantastic news! Everyone loves a Royal Wedding!

On the 16 November 2010, Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement in a brief statement released by Clarence House.  He proposed while on holiday in Kenya in October 2010.

Key Facts:

• The couple will marry on 29 April 2011 and live in north Wales, where Prince William is serving with the RAF.
• They said they hoped to have children. Miss Middleton said a close-knit family was important: “I hope we will be able to have a happy family ourselves. Smiling, Prince William added: “I think we’ll take it one step at a time. We’ll sort of get over the marriage first and then maybe look at the kids. But obviously we want a family.”
• The couple met at St Andrews University, Fife in Scotland.  Prince William and Kate Middleton started out on the same history of art course at St Andrews in 2001, although William later switched to geography. For several years, they shared accommodation with friends.
• Prince William is second in line to the throne
• Prince William gave Miss Middleton Princess Diana’s ring.  This is a sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
• Miss Middleton is six months older than Prince William

Key Quotes:

• Prince William, speaking about their relatively long relationship, said: “I didn’t realise it was a race, otherwise I probably would have been a lot quicker.
• Prince William: “The time is right now. We’re both very, very happy and I’m very glad that I have done it.”
• Prince Charles: “They’ve been practising long enough!”
• Miss Middleton: “We have been going out a long time. We had spoken about our future and it just seemed the natural step for both of us.”
• Prince Harry: “I am delighted that my brother has popped the question. It means I get a sister, which I have always wanted,” the statement read”
• The Queen: “absolutely delighted”
• Mr. Middleton: “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.”
• David Cameron said the news was greeted with “a great cheer” and “banging of the table” from fellow ministers in a cabinet meeting
• Prince William said “giving Kate my mother’s ring was my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement”
• Kate Middleton: “Joining the Royal Family is a daunting prospect.  Hopefully I’ll take it in my stride.”

Trivia:

• “Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man”.
• Famous April weddings
  • 1614: Pocahontas and John Rolfe
  • 1956: Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier
  • 1989: Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley
  • 2005: Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles
  • 2008: Beyonce and Jay-Z
• Wedding commentators believe the dress design will include some shoulder cover for those balcony shots in potentially cool spring weather
• Florists predict the the return of the 1920s big bouquet
• As yet, the dancefloor song the couple will choose is unknown