Britain's Prince Charles (R) kisses his companion Camilla Parker Bowles at the National Osteoporosis Society's 15th Birthday Celebrations at Somerset House, London in this June 26, 2001 file photo. This was the first time the Prince had kissed Mrs Parker Bowles in public. Britain's heir-to-the throne Prince Charles is to marry his longtime lover Camilla Parker Bowles, his office announced February 10, 2005. (Photo: Xinhua)

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.