Pretoria - Local and international media have reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged and are to marry next year - leaving many admirers of the young prince a little depressed.
There has been intense speculation in recent months about whether the couple, who have been together for eight years, would eventually tie the knot.
Their wedding, scheduled for 2011, has already been tipped to be one of the biggest royal events in recent years.
A statement by Clarence House 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."
It said that the Prince had informed The Queen and other close members of his family about the engagement and had sought the permission of 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," said the statement.