WHEN the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles announced their engagement in February, it came as a surprise to people across the globe.

However, for one freelance journalist it meant a commission to write a souvenir wedding guide, with just three days to get it researched and written.

As an ex-Southern Daily Echo features editor, Annie Bullen was used to hitting deadlines and Charles and Camilla: A Royal Occasion is now available.

Annie, who works in the public relations departments at New Forest District Council and Exbury Gardens, told the Daily Echo: "It's the fastest book I have ever written. I shut myself away for the weekend and got all the research material I could. I am a journalist. It's just getting facts and researching them and making sure that it is right."

The full-colour commemorative book includes a foreword by Brian Hoey, an experienced broadcaster who has written more than 15 titles about royalty.

The guide explores Prince Charles's role, his career, lifestyle and royal residences. It includes a short biography of Camilla, details of the couple's joint interests in country pursuits, the arts, gardening and charity work, their engagement - and their shared role after their marriage.

The book forms part of the Pitkin Guides series, which has a long tradition of producing authoritative souvenir guides to mark important Royal events.

Annie, a grandmother of two, is not a royalist and had never written about any of the Windsors before but she has always had a soft spot for Camilla.

"She has been so hated but she has never tittle-tattled and she's stood by the man she loved for all these years," she said. "I am glad that two people who clearly love each other have got a chance at happiness at last."

The couple's relationship has always been dogged by scandal so Annie found it refreshing that she just had to stick to the facts.

"The book has been written to mark the occasion, there are no revelations!" said Annie. "I think the Sunday newspapers have done all of those. It's just really a celebration of what's going to happen."

Charles and Camilla: A Royal Occasion is published by Unichrome Guides priced £3.99.