Prince William Is Engaged

After a summer of speculation, the news is official. Prince William has confirmed his engagement to longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton.

Prince Charles' Clarence House office released an official statement saying they are "delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton," noting that the two had become engaged in Kenya last month while on vacation. Ever proper, the statement also made sure to note that the Prince had gotten permission both from Middleton's father and Queen Elizabeth II before going ahead. The Queen has said she is "absolutely delighted" by the news.

The wedding, which will be the largest since Prince Charles married Princess Diana 30 years ago, is expected to take place next spring or summer. "We thought it was going to happen, now that it has it's an opportunity for a welcome national celebration," said Patrick Jephson, former secretary to Princess Diana. The date of the wedding will avoid both the Summer Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Though there is speculation that the wedding will take place at Westminster Abbey, where Princess Diana wed, no official location has been set. After the wedding, the couple will live in North Wales, where William is stationed for his position in the RAF. The couple met at school while attending the University of St Andrews together. Both are now 28—the age that Prince William once set as the earliest he would consider marriage. –AMY LEE