'She will never take the place of Diana'

Londoners today gave a mixed response to news that Prince Charles is to marry Camilla.

Jim Mullany, 53, a local government manager from Isleworth, said: "I think it's a great thing - they've had a very long relationship and they obviously love each other.

"It's perfectly acceptable for them to conduct their relationship as they want rather than being constrained by their position. It also shows a respect for marriage as an institution, that it still means something today."

Naomi Fairbrother, 23, a trainee merchandiser from Hertfordshire, said: "It's not a big surprise, it's been on the cards for a while. But she will never take Diana's place, the majority of people see her in a bad light."

James Semple, 23, a home office worker from Knightsbridge, said: "I'm glad because he is a man in love and has waited long enough. It happens in real life, so why not in the royal family. But I think it is appropriate that they are having a smaller wedding."

Daiga Brilinkeviciene, 33, a retail supervisor from Ilford, said: "He should do what he wants. I liked Diana, but she is not here any more."

Deirdre McKay, 57, a housewife from Fulham, said: "I think he is very brave. He has been through such a lot of stories about the two of them and people resenting her because of Diana - but he has stood by her and she by him."