Royal wedding: Prince William gives Kate Diana's ring

Prince William and Kate Middleton speak to the press following the announcement of their wedding

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Prince William has spoken of his and fiancee Kate Middleton's happiness, as the newly-engaged couple faced the cameras for the first time.

The couple, both 28, will marry next spring or summer after he proposed while on holiday in Kenya in October.

The prince said: "The timing is right now. We are both very, very happy."

He has given Kate his mother's ring. He said: "It's very special to me. As Kate's very special to me now, it was right to put the two together."

Speaking as they stood arm-in-arm before photographers, Prince William said giving Kate his mother Diana's distinctive sapphire and diamond engagement ring was "my way of making sure my mother didn't miss out on today and the excitement".

Miss Middleton admitted joining the Royal Family was a "daunting prospect" but she added: "Hopefully I'll take it in my stride."

The couple will marry in London in 2011 and live in north Wales, where Prince William, second in line the throne, is serving with the RAF.

The pair met as students at St Andrews University, Fife.

Earlier, Prince Charles said he was "thrilled, obviously", at the news, joking: "They've been practising long enough."

Kate Middleton's parents Michael and Carole said they were "absolutely delighted" and "thrilled".

Her father said: "We have got to know William really well, we all think he is wonderful and we are extremely fond of him.

"They make a lovely couple, are great fun to be with and we've had a lot of laughs together. We wish them every happiness for the future."

The royal engagement was announced in a brief statement released by Clarence House.

It said: "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."

The first interview with the couple will be aired on BBC News at 1900GMT. William and Kate - A Royal Engagement will be broadcast on BBC Two on Tuesday night at 1930 GMT.