THE Prince of Wales announced yesterday that he will marry Camilla Parker Bowles on April 8 at Windsor Castle. We asked people across Gwent what they thought and there was a mixed reaction.

Dorothy LOWE, 74, of Newport, said: "I don't think it will make any difference. I think he will be entitled to spend our money on the wedding and her now as long as it's not too much. It will let her be more involved with the family now instead of being left out at functions."

Lisa Griffiths, of Libanus Road, Ebbw Vale, said she thought it was "about time" that Charles and Camilla got married.

"We have all known that it is going to happen," the 29-year-old bar worker said.

"But I don't think that Charles should be king now the throne should pass straight to William. He seems level-headed!

"But I will watch the wedding," she said.

Malcolm Chilcott, aged 42, of Clarence Street, Abertillery, said: "Best of luck to the two of them.

"I think Charles should still become king but I don't think Camilla should be queen. The decision for her to be a princess consort is sensible."

Jill Bell, 65, of Cwmbran, said the marriage should be treated like any other: "It is up to him. If he fancies getting married, let him get on with it; it is not going to affect us."

John Bell, 65, of Cwmbran, felt there would be mixed feelings in the Royal family: "I don't think the Queen will be very pleased, considering past events. Camilla has always been left out."

Gareth Meachen, 37, of Baneswell, Newport, said: "I think everyone should let them get on with it. It doesn't affect my life at all. Nobody interferes in my life so why can't they marry in peace. He added: "Harry and William will probably be happy for them and I think the past is the past. Diana wasn't innocent and had her affairs."

Michelle Wilson, 31, of Crumlin, was happy for the couple. She said: "I think it's great news and I hope they are both very happy. The Queen is probably glad that they have finally got together properly."

Fiona Deakins, 28, of Newport, said: "The princes will be happy for the couple. They have known about it for a long time. I hope he uses his own money and not the state's to pay for it."

Harold Edwards, 82, of St Julians, Newport, disagreed and said he didn't have a good opinion of the Royals. He said: "The Royal family have had it; they are a waste of time and money.

"I hope we are not paying for Charles to get married.

"All of them are overpaid and underworked and the princes are a bad example to all youths."

Janet Sutton, 51, of Caerleon, Newport, said it was long overdue: "It's about time. Life is not a rehearsal.

"If he wants to marry a woman he loves then he should get on with it."

Linda Davies, 48, of Caerleon, Newport, said: "I don't really care about the marriage. They should get married if they want to and everyone should let them get on with it. I am sure Diana wouldn't say much."