The government has congratulated the couple
|
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have welcomed Prince Charles' impending marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles.
The Queen and Prince Philip offered the couple "warmest good wishes for their future together".
Prime Minister Tony Blair wished the couple "every happiness", saying he was "delighted" at the announcement.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who will lead a service of prayer after a civil wedding at Windsor Castle, said he was pleased by the "important step".
And Tory leader Michael Howard said he wanted to "warmly congratulate" the couple on their decision.
'Very happy news'
After the wedding was announced, friends of the prince, including Tory defence spokesman Nicholas Soames, were among the first to offer support.
News of the wedding emerged as the Cabinet started its weekly meeting.
"The Duke of Edinburgh and I are very happy that the Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles are to marry," the Queen said in a statement issued on her behalf by Buckingham Palace.
 |
I hope and pray that it will prove a source of comfort and strength to them
|
After expressing his delight, the prime minister said: "It's very happy news and when Cabinet heard it this morning they sent congratulations and good wishes on behalf of the whole government.
"We all wish them every happiness for their future together."
In a statement, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams said: "I am pleased that Prince Charles and Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles have decided to take this important step.
"I hope and pray that it will prove a source of comfort and strength to them and to those who are closest to them.
"These arrangements have my strong support and are consistent with Church of England guidelines concerning remarriage which the Prince of Wales fully accepts as a committed Anglican and as prospective Supreme Governor of the Church of England."
Mr Howard said: "I warmly congratulate the Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles. I wish them every happiness in their marriage."
Friends' support
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy echoed his reaction, saying: "We congratulate Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles and we wish them all future happiness."
Other members of the Royal Family also passed on their best wishes.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, said: "I couldn't be more delighted. We're absolutely thrilled, both my husband and I."
And a spokesman for the Duchess of York said: "She is very happy for them."
Rhodri Morgan, first minister of the Welsh Assembly, said: "I would like to wish them both the best of luck."
Mr Soames was the first of the Prince of Wales' friends to publicly welcome the decision.
"I'm absolutely delighted for both of them. It's great news. I couldn't be happier. I think all people who wish the Prince of Wales happiness will rejoice in this announcement."
Another friend, former Tory MP Winston Churchill, a cousin of Mr Soames, welcomed the "fabulous news".
"[They are] taking the plunge to finally end the limbo which they have been in, which must have been difficult enough for Prince Charles but a nightmare for Camilla... not to be able to accompany the person she loves in public."
Home
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~09~RS~)
BBC NEWS CHANNEL
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
TV reports
