LORD MONTAGU of Beaulieu today welcomed news of the impending marriage of Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles.

Lord Montagu has met Charles several times and said: "I'm delighted and wish him every happiness - I think he deserves it.

"Everyone has been wondering what was going to happen and it's excellent that all the uncertainty has finally been resolved.

"Charles and Camilla are obviously very well suited and I think they will make a wonderful pair."

Asked if he was likely to attend the wedding, Lord Montagu said. "I doubt it. I suspect it will be a quiet family wedding."

Dr Julian Lewis, Tory MP for New Forest East admitted he had wished they had tied the knots years earlier.

He said: "Without being churlish, I think it's a pity they didn't do this many years ago, when they were both single, but of course it is never too late to find happiness."

The Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Kenneth Stevenson, said: "I am very pleased for them. I think that they are like couples all over the country who have had difficulties and are now picking up the pieces.

"Marriage after divorce has long been in practice a reality. On behalf of the Church of England and the Diocese of Portsmouth I wish them well."

Sandra Gidley, Liberal Democrat MP for Romsey said: "I think it's nice for them and I hope that they'll be happy. I hope it buries the ghosts from both their pasts.

But she added: "I just wonder how much this decision has to do with MPs asking Prince Charles's officials about his funding and expenses the other day."

Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, said he was pleased to hear that prince Charles and Mrs Parker-Bowles were to marry.

He said: "I'd like to offer them my congratulations. I hope they're very happy."

He added: "I've got no problems at all with Camilla becoming Queen."

Euan Russell, the general manager of Broadlands, where Prince Charles spent the first night of his honeymoon with Diana, refused to comment on today's announcement.

"We would not make any comment because it is a completely private matter," he said.

He also refused say whether he thought their marriage would spark more interest in the historic Romsey venue and home of Lord Mountbatten.

Mark Hoban, Tory MP for Fareham, said: "I think this is good news. I am very pleased for them. She is a great support for him and I think it's good they are able to marry."

Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, said: "It is a good thing that they have decided to get married. They deserve a bit of happiness in their lives.

"For a long time the Prince has had someone in his life who has brought him happiness but he has not been able to recognise her as his consort. It was a bad state of affairs.

"It is good that they can now tie the knot."

Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Mary Fagan said: "I am delighted with the news. The Prince of Wales is much loved and respected in Hampshire and I know that everyone will wish him and Mrs Parker Bowles well."