London, England (CNN) -- Britain's Prince William is engaged to Kate Middleton, the British royal family announced Tuesday.
The prince and Middleton, both 28, have been dating since 2003. Rumors have been rife for years that they have been close to marriage.
The wedding will take place in London in the spring or summer of 2011, said a statement from Clarence House, William's home near Buckingham Palace. It said further details would be announced "in due course."
"Prince William and Miss Middleton became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya," the statement said. "Prince William has informed the queen and other close members of his family. Prince William has also sought the permission of Miss Middleton's father.
"Following the marriage, the couple will live in north Wales, where Prince William will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force."
William is second line to the British throne after his father, Prince Charles.
He met Middleton in 2002 when both were students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. They started dating a year later.
Prince William studied geography and Middleton studied history of art before both graduated in 2005. William was originally on the same art program but changed to geography; Middleton was widely credited with persuading him to change course rather than drop out.
They first appeared as a couple on a skiing trip in Switzerland while still at the university.
Middleton grew up in Bucklebury, England, a small village about 45 miles west of central London. Her parents are millionaire entrepreneurs who run Party Pieces, an online children's party supplies business.
After university, Middleton worked in London as an accessories buyer for the British clothing chain Jigsaw but left the company in late 2007. Media reports said she was interested in opening a photography gallery.
News reports since August have said she is working with her parents' business.
Prince William has a military career and is active in several charities. In September, he graduated from a military search-and-rescue training course and was posted to RAF Valley, the station on the island of Anglesey in north Wales.
He is known as Flight Lieutenant Wales within the RAF.
