(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Kate Middleton has described her fianc Britains Prince William as a true romantic, who planned the perfect proposal.
It was announced earlier today that the 28-year-old royal and his long-term girlfriend Kate are engaged. Williams father Prince Charles released a statement, in which he revealed William popped the question during a private holiday in Kenya last month. He added the pair are planning to tie the knot in spring or summer next year.
The couple have now given a press conference, in which Kate spoke to journalists for the first time.
Hes a true romantic, she replied, when asked about Williams proposal. We had a holiday in Africa and it was out there, in a very quiet lodge. It was very romantic and a very personal time for both of us.
Its quite a daunting prospect to join the royal family but hopefully Ill take it in my stride. William is a great teacher so I hope hell help me along the way, Im really look forward to it and spending my time with him.
The pair met at university in Scotland and have been dating for around eight years. Much has been made of their long relationship, and William addressed why he has taken a while to propose.
I dont remember how many years its been, forgetful memory, I didnt realise it was a race otherwise I would have been a lot quicker, he said. The timing is right right now, were both very, very happy and Im very glad I have done it.
Williams mother Princess Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997, when she was 36. The prince has given Kate Dianas engagement ring, which is a large sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds. The band was praised when Charles presented it to Diana in 1981, at which time it cost 28,000, and William has spoken of his reasons for passing the jewellery on to Kate.
As you may have recognised its my mothers engagement ring so its very special to me. As Kates very special to me now, its the two put together, he said. Its my way of making sure my mother didnt miss out on today and the excitement and fact that were going to spend the rest of our lives together.
The couple were asked about why they are so in love, with William praising his fiances sense of fun. He explained they both enjoy mocking each other, with Kate saying the way William always has her best interests at heart means a lot to her.
Over the years hes looked after me and treated me well, hes a loving boyfriend. Hes very, very supportive of me through the good times and also the bad times, she said.
Charles has spoken of his excitement at the impending nuptials, taking time out from his busy schedule to give a short statement to reporters this afternoon. We're obviously thrilled, he said. They've been practicing long enough.
Kates parents Michael and Carole Middleton have also discussed their delight at the upcoming wedding, taking time to praise their future son in law.
I would just like to say that Carole and I are absolutely delighted by today's announcement and thrilled at the prospect of a wedding some time next year, Michael said. "As you know Catherine and Prince William have been going out together for quite a number of years which has been great for us because we have got to know William very well.
"We all think he is wonderful and we are extremely fond of him. They make a lovely couple, they are great fun to be with, and we've had a lot of laughs together. We wish them every happiness for the future." (C) Cover Media