Britain's Prince Charles is to marry his long-time partner Camilla Parker Bowles on April 8 in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, his office said in an official statement on February 10.

The statement said Camilla would be given the title of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall after they marry, stemming from Charles' title of Duke of Cornwall.

After Charles becomes king, she will be known as the Princess Consort, said Charles' office, noting that she will never have the title Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip gave the couple their "warmest good wishes for their future together," said a statement issued by the Buckingham Palace. The couple had disapproved of their relationship in the past.

Their wedding marks a watershed in public and private opinion to their relationship. Last year the Church of England said it would not oppose their marriage.

The 56-year-old heir to the throne divorced late Princess Diana in 1996. Diana died in a car accident the following year.

The Prince has in recent years given Camilla, 57, a more prominent public role, frequently taking her to official engagements.

Charles and Camilla first met at a polo match in Windsor in 1970.

Source: Xinhua