Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced their engagement.

After months of speculation, the couple finally announced they will marry in London in spring or summer next year.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are "absolutely delighted" at the news, Buckingham Palace said.

William and Miss Middleton, both 28, became engaged last month while on holiday in Kenya, Clarence House said.

After the wedding the couple, who met at St Andrews University, will live in north Wales where the Prince is serving with the RAF.

Clarence House said in a statement: "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."

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, dubbed "Waity Katey" for her patience as she waited for the Prince to pop the question, 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.