Prince William and Kate Middleton Are Engaged and Will Marry In 2011.

Today it has been confirmed by Clarence House that Prince William and Kate Middleton are officially engaged and will marry next year.

The announcement came amid engagement speculation following a visit by Kate’s parents to the Queen’s Scottish estate last month.

The visit was seen as a positive sign that the couple were poised to announce their engagement to the world. It emerged today that the couple in fact became engaged in Kenya in October.

The young couple, who have been together for eight years have recently been spending a lot of time together in north Wales where William is a search and rescue pilot. Kate has faced criticism in the past for hanging on for a proposal and has been dubbed "Waity Katy" by some members of the UK media.

Their wedding, scheduled for 2011, is set to be a national celebration and will be the biggest royal event since the wedding of William’s mother and father, Prince Charles and Princess Diana back in the 1980s.

Clarence House announced today: ‘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.’

Clarence House also confirmed that the couple became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya and that Prince William has informed the Queen and other close members of his family. It was also revealed that the Prince adhered to tradition and sought the permission of Miss Middleton’s father.

It has been confirmed that following the marriage, the couple will reside in north Wales, where Prince William will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force.

Ed Miliband was amongst one of the first to wish the happy couple well tweeting:

‘Delighted for Prince William and Kate Middleton on their engagement. The whole country will be wishing them every happiness.’

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