See the happy couple as they announce their engagement to the world
The couple released two official engagement photos taken by Princess Diana’s favourite photographer Mario Testino. This is the most formal portrait of the two and was taken in the Council Chamber at St James’s Palace.
The second of Kate and Wills' official engagement pictures shows the pair looking relaxed and informal as they cuddle up to each other.
Kate Middleton and Prince William announced their engagement on the 16th November 2010 after 8 years of dating. We look at all the pictures from the historic day.
Kate, who will now be known as the more regal Catherine, shows her style know-how in a figure-hugging blue silk jersey dress by Issa, as she and Wills prepare to face the press.
Kate and Wills smile in the glare of the photographers as the press get shots of the happy couple.
Kate looks up at Wills as he tells the press about his proposal.
'It was about three weeks ago on holiday in Kenya,' he said. 'We had been talking about marriage for a while so it wasn't a massively big surprise. I took her up somewhere nice in Kenya and I proposed.'
A nervous Kate chats to the press in one of her first public interviews.
She gushes about the engagement saying: 'It was very romantic. There's a true romantic in there. I really didn't expect it. It was a total shock... and very exciting.'
Wills and Kate are the spitting image of his parents, Charles and Diana, on the day they announced their engagement in 1981.
Both brides-to-be wore flattering blue numbers and the couple both linked arms in a familiar way.
Kate looks to Wills for support during the press conference as he insists he will help her find her feet.
'It's quite a daunting prospect but hopefully I'll take it in my stride and William's a great teacher so hopefully he'll be able to help me along the way,' she said.
A smiling Kate can't keep her eyes off her new engagement ring.
Wills proposed with his late mother's engagement ring.
'It was my way of making sure my mother didn't miss out on today, and the excitement and the fact that we're going to spend the rest of our lives together,' Wills said.
Diana's ring was made by Crown jewellers Garrard of Mayfair in 1981 and cost £28,500.
The ring is a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire with solitaire diamonds set in 18-carat white gold - fancy!
Kate's parents, Carole and Mike Middleton, prepare for life in the spotlight as they make a statement to the press.
'I would just like to say that Carole and I are absolutely delighted by today's announcement and thrilled at the prospect of a wedding some time next year,' Mike said. 'They make a lovely couple, they are great fun to be with, and we've had a lot of laughs together.'
Queen Elizabeth is said to have been delighted at the news but did note that the pair had been together a while.
'It is brilliant news. It has taken them a very long time,' she said.
Wills' dad, Prince Charles, and step-mother, Camilla, also offered their congratulations.
'I'm just so happy and so are they. It's wicked,' said Camilla. While Charles added: 'They have been practising long enough.'
Prince Harry, who is tipped to be best man at the wedding, welcomed Kate into the family.
'It means I get a sister, which I have always wanted,' he said.
David Cameron also congratulated the pair on the news.
'A great day for our country, a great day for the Royal family and obviously a great day for Prince William and for Kate,' he said.
Where to next:
Kate and Wills: Their romance in pics
What wedding cake will the couple choose?
The Wedding Diet
