PRINCE William is to marry his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton, it has been announced.

The Prince, who was in Afghanistan for Remembrance Sunday, asked Miss Middleton's father for his permission to wed his daughter.

He proposed to her with the engagement ring his mother was given by Prince Charles.

Clarence House made the announcement in statement this morning.

It read: "The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.

"The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.

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"Prince William and Miss Middleton became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya. Prince William has informed The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince William has also sought the permission of Miss Middleton's father.

"Following the marriage, the couple will live in north Wales, where Prince William will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force."

Prime Minister David Cameron's spokeswoman said he was ''delighted'' and sent the couple his very best.

The Prime Minister was informed of the royal engagement during the Cabinet's meeting this morning. His spokesman said: ''The office took the call during Cabinet. The Prime Minister relayed the news to the Cabinet.''

Miss Middleton, who comes from a wealthy middle class background, was born a commoner but is now in line to become Queen one day.

She met William at St Andrews University in 2001 while they were studying history of art.

Miss Middleton was credited with persuading the Prince to continue his studies when he considered quitting as he struggled to adjust to university life during his first year.

They moved into a shared house with two other friends in 2002 and reportedly became a couple around Christmas 2003.