Prince William & Kate Middleton

So the long-time girlfriend of Prince William has finally accepted his proposal of marriage and the royal couple have got engaged, which has been officially announced today, although the Prince proposed to her in October.

His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton (Kate's real name and what will be used when she becomes the Prince's wife) have appeared together for the media and press this afternoon. In a poignant touch, Prince William has used the engagement ring of his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, to let William feel that his mother is taking part in his special day.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is said to be delighted with the announcment and the Prince of Wales has said that it is 'wondeful news' - his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall has called the news 'wicked' in a modern terminology meaning.

I wish the couple all the luck in the world. I only hope that Kate Middleton is given all the help and support she needs to adjust the major upheaval from becoming a commoner to a royal - his mother was certainly not looked after in her transition period, and I hope that lessons have been learnt - but I think Prince William himself will have his say in that.