THE Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles have set a date for their wedding.

The couple will marry in a civil ceremony at Windsor Castle on Friday, April 8, presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Clarence House said this morning.

And after the marriage, Mrs Parker Bowles will use the title HRH the Duchess of Cornwall - not Princess of Wales, as some had feared.

When Charles becomes King, Camilla will be known as Princess Consort and will not use the title Queen Camilla.

Charles said he and his wife-to-be were "absolutely delighted" at their engagement.

This morning's surprise announcement was welcomed with enthusiasm in Worcester. City Mayor Allah Ditta said Prince Charles should have made the move before.

"As a Muslim I think good luck to them," he said. "It's much better them being open, especially being the figurehead he is."

The Queen has given her blessing to the happy couple and also her warmest good wishes.

In a brief statement issued on her behalf by Buckingham Palace, the Queen said: "The Duke of Edinburgh and I are very happy that the Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles are to marry.

"We have given them our warmest good wishes for their future together."