(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Britains Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced they will marry at Westminster Abbey on Friday April 29 next year.

William proposed to Kate last month while they were on a private holiday in Kenya. The couple have been dating for around eight years and speculation over the big day has been rife.

Now the pair have announced they will tie the knot in April at iconic London landmark Westminster Abbey because it's steeped in royal history, a royal aide explained.

The Abbey hosted the weddings of both Britains Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother, and was also the venue for Williams late mother Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.

BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said that, according to the prince's private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, the couple wanted a spring wedding and felt that the Abbey offered relative intimacy despite its size.

A royal aide also revealed the couple are on cloud nine and are taking a firm role in the organisation of their big day.

As expected, the day which is also the feast of St Catherine - will be a public holiday in the UK, and the public are expected to be involved on a large scale, suggesting they may be invited in.

Kates family have announced they will be paying for the church, reception and dress with private money. The royal family have also said they will contribute to the event, and the UK taxpayer is expected to fund the bill for security.

It has been reported that William is still undecided on who his best man on the day will be, and other details are expected to follow. (C) Cover Media