(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Britains Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton before asking her father for permission, just in case he said no.
The 28-year-old royal confirmed he is engaged to his long-term girlfriend Kate today, after he popped the question while they were holidaying in Kenya last month. The pair have kept the details of the proposal secret, although William has given a slight insight into the event.
He gave Kate his mother, the late Princess Dianas, engagement ring, which is a sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds. He admits being petrified about losing the ring, and about following normal protocol.
Id been planning it for a while but as every guy knows it takes a certain amount motivation to get yourself going. So it just felt really right out there in Africa, it was beautiful at the time and I did a little bit of planning to show my romantic side, he explained to Sky News.
Id been carrying the ring around with me in my rucksack for three weeks or so, I literally would not let it go because I knew, this thing, if it disappeared Id be in a lot of trouble. It went fine, you hear a lot of horror stories about proposing and things go horrible wrong, but she said yes.
Were like ducks at the moment, calm on the surface with feet going under the water. Weve been talking about it for a long time so for us its a real relief and nice to be able to tell people. Its nice to be able to share it with everyone.
I was torn between asking Kates dad first and the realisation he might say no, so I thought if I ask Kate first he cant really say no so I did it that way round. And I managed to speak to Mike soon after it happened.
Kate admits the proposal was a total shock, adding she is very excited about the wedding. Her mother Carole was thrilled to hear of the impending nuptials, with Kates parents releasing a statement this afternoon in which they spoke of their delight.
William and Kate met at university in Scotland, and have been together around eight years. They did briefly split up several years ago, and although keen not to discuss specifics the pair maintain taking time apart was the right decision.
In that particular incidence we were very young, we were both finding ourselves, it was very much trying to find our own way while we were growing up. It soon worked out for the best, William told Sky News.
At the time I wasnt very happy, but it made me a stronger person. I think you find out things about yourself... you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you are younger. I really value that time, for me, although I didnt think it at time, Kate added.
The pair added that while they arent thinking about starting a family yet, it is something they would like to do at some point. William added they have been talking about getting married for around a year, but wanted to wait until the time was perfect for them.
He also addressed comparisons between Kate and his mother who died in a Paris car crash in 1997 and was renowned for her charity work insisting Kate shouldnt feel any pressure to be like her.
Its about carving your own future. No ones trying to fill her shoes, its about your own destiny, he said.
I wanted Kate and her family to see what life is like in this family, I wanted to give her a chance to see and back out if she wanted to, before it all got too much. Im trying to learn from lessons in the past, I wanted to give her a chance to settle in. (C) Cover Media