This file photo shows Britain's Prince Charles (R) and Camilla Parker Bowles (L) leaving the Ritz Hotel after a private party to celebrate the succes of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II jubilee in central London 14 november 2002. Britain's Prince Charles and his longtime partner Camilla Parker Bowles, the woman blamed for destroying his "fairytale" marriage to the late Princess Diana, are to marry, the prince's official residence said 10 February, 2005, with 06 April reported to be the wedding day. (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

 

    BEIJING, Feb. 11 -- Finally, on a lighter note of the day...

    Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, will marry his long-term partner Camilla Parker Bowles on April 8th.

    The news has been confirmed by the Prince's official residence in London.

    The announcement received the blessing of Queen Elizabeth II, who said she was very happy that her son and Parker Bowles will marry.

    Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Tony Blair also sent blessings to the couple.

    "I'm delighted for the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles. It's very happy news. We all wish them every happiness for their future together."

    The ceremony will take place at Windsor Castle and Parker Bowles will take the title HRH the Duchess of Cornwall.

    When the Prince of Wales becomes King, Camilla will not be known as Queen Camilla but as the Princess Consort.

    The move will end years of speculation on a relationship which has spanned the decades since they first met in 1971.

    The couple have been living together for some time.

    The 56-year-old Charles was married to Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH)