Prince William tonight revealed how he proposed to his girlfriend Kate Middleton using the engagement ring that belonged to his mother.
The 28-year-old Prince used the dazzling oval blue 18-carat sapphire and diamond ring when he popped the question while they were on holiday in Kenya last month.
As they posed for pictures at St James' Palace tonight, William said giving Kate the ring was his way of ensuring his late mother could be part of the occasion.
In front of the world's press, he said: 'It is very special to me. It was my way to make sure my mother did not miss out on today and the excitement that we are going to spend the rest of our lives together.'
Engaged at last: Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton at St. James's Palace
In the spotlight: Kate, now to be known as Catherine, posed arm in arm with the Prince
Diana, who died in 1997, chose the elegant cluster ring after becoming engaged to Charles in 1981 and William handing it on to his wife-to-be will undoubtedly have been hugely emotional.
At the time it cost £28,000 and was from a selection presented to Diana by jewellers Garrard. Because it was not made for her specially, it was open to the public to buy.
The proposal brings to an end a marathon eight-year courtship, which saw the couple first live together as students but also break-up briefly in 2007.
Kate, also 28, had been dubbed 'Waity Katie' amid criticism she was hanging on for a proposal and did not have a proper job but now her wait is finally over.
She has abandoned her nickname and will be known as Catherine from now on as she embraces life in the public eye.
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on their engagement day, February 24 1981
Her marriage to William will be the biggest royal event since the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana in 1981.
It is hoped the ceremony will give a huge boost to the nation and the economy as crippling public sector spending cuts hit home.
Bookies have made August 13th the early favourite for the wedding date and it is likely to take place at Westminster Abbey.
It is claimed personnel at the Abbey have already been contacted about a royal wedding in the second week of August, although St Paul's and Windsor Castle are other potential venues.
The Queen and the Queen Mother were both married in the Abbey but it also carries painful memories of William's mother's funeral in 1997.
Charles and Diana's fairytale ceremony was at St Paul's which has also been the recent location for major royal celebrations such as the Queen's 80th birthday.
In a full statement, 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.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1330215/Prince-William-gives-Kate-Middleton-Dianas-engagement-ring.html#ixzz1Kri85q4L
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