CAMILLA Parker Bowles will marry the Prince of Wales at a ceremony in Windsor Castle, the Royal Family announced yesterday.

Mrs Parker Bowles, of Reybridge near Lacock, will take the title HRH Duchess of Cornwall when she ties the knot with Prince Charles on April 8.

The Prince of Wales has said the couple are delighted the marriage has been made public and the Queen has given the wedding her full backing.

Chris Doel, chairman of Lacock Parish council, said: "Congratulations to them both. We have seen her around the village in the past.

"There is nothing wrong with them getting married. It is two people getting together after all this time and I don't think there is much concern with it here."

Mrs Parker Bowles has been a keen supporter of St Cyriac's Church in Lacock in recent years and was involved in fundraising campaigns.

Ex-church warden and parish council chairman Paul Freeland said: "I'm sure everyone will wish them both well. She has been known to support the church and the village, though not in person."

North Wilts MP James Gray said: "I welcome this news. I met her a few times and she's a very nice woman indeed. I think it's perfectly correct for them to get married."

The Church of England has voiced concerns over the marriage in the past because it would be between two divorcees.

The Venerable Alan Hawker, Archdeacon of Malmesbury and responsible for Lacock parish, said: "This is a long-running relationship and now everyone will at least know what is going on.

"Although rules are being relaxed there is still the issue of her contribution to the breakdown of a previous relationship, which is a serious matter, but maybe it is time to draw a line underneath and move on."

A statement from Clarence House released yesterday morning confirmed the couple will marry at Windsor Castle on Friday April 8.

The wedding will be a largely private occasion for family and friends at Windsor Castle, followed by prayers and dedication at St George's Chapel presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Prince of Wales said: "Mrs Parker Bowles and I are absolutely delighted. It will be a very special day for us and our families."

A statement issued by Buckingham Palace read: "The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have given the Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles their warmest good wishes for their future."

The couple first met in the early 1970s at a polo match and stayed close friends throughout Prince Charles' marriage to Diana Spencer.

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