PRINCE Charles is to marry Camilla Parker Bowles, Clarence House said today.No date has yet been fixed for the wedding, but reports today suggest it could take place on April 6.

PRINCE Charles is to marry Camilla Parker Bowles, Clarence House said today.

No date has yet been fixed for the wedding, but reports today suggest it could take place on April 6.

Charles and Camilla have been seen as a couple for several years - but there has been some unease about their relationship because it continued while the Prince of Wales was married to Diana and Camilla was still married to her first husband.

However both Charles and Camilla were divorced several years ago and, of course, Princess Diana died in 1997.

The fact that Camilla is a divorcee was felt by some to cause a problem because of Prince Charles' future role as the head of the Church of England.

But recent comments by senior church figures have suggested they were keen to see what is clearly a solid relationship put on a more official footing.

Mrs Parker Bowles's current position meant her status was dogged with problems, including her seating at social functions away from the heir to the throne.

They first met at a Windsor polo match in 1970.

Last June, Camilla was mentioned in the Prince's accounts - moving into a new realm of acceptance.

This week, there was further controversy over the cost of her lifestyle and how it was funded by the Prince.

A key question to be resolved will be how she will be addressed. Will it be as the Princess of Wales, and when Charles becomes King, Queen Camilla?

Ipswich MP Chris Mole said the news had not come as any great surprise.

He said: "There may be some constitutional implications because he is heir to the throne, but I feel it is essentially a private matter and if that's what they want then fine.

"It is clearly something they have thought about at some length. It is not as if they are love-struck teenagers."

South Suffolk MP Tim Yeo said: "This is not unexpected news, and I'm sure most people will see it as essentially a private matter and will wish them well."

Ipswich mayor Roger Fern was happy about the announcement: "I think it is excellent news. I am delighted for both of them and I think it should help to quieten some of the gossip that surrounds them," he said.

Friends of the Prince of Wales today welcomed news of his impending marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles.

Conservative MP Nicholas Soames said he was "absolutely delighted" that the couple had announced they are to wed.

"I'm very, very happy for both the Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles. I think it's wonderful,' he said.

The MP for Mid-Sussex refused to comment on how long the couple had been considering the step, and whether it would cause constitutional difficulties.