RELIGIOUS leaders in East Anglia last night voiced their support at news the Prince of Wales is to marry his long-term partner Camilla Parker Bowles.The wedding, which will be civil ceremony in Windsor Castle followed by a service of prayer and dedication in St George's Chapel, will take place on April 8.

By Danielle Nuttall

RELIGIOUS leaders in East Anglia last night voiced their support at news the Prince of Wales is to marry his long-term partner Camilla Parker Bowles.

The wedding, which will be civil ceremony in Windsor Castle followed by a service of prayer and dedication in St George's Chapel, will take place on April 8.

Reacting to the announcement from Clarence House yesterday, the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the Rt Rev Richard Lewis said: “I warmly welcome the announcement and the news that there are plans for the marriage to take place.

“Clearly, this is an issue that has been very carefully considered.”

One of the couple's first official engagements in East Anglia is likely to be the service of dedication to mark the completion of St Edmundsbury Cathedral's Millennium Tower.

The Very Rev James Atwell, the Dean of St Edmundsbury, said: “As patron of the Suffolk Cathedral Millennium project, Prince Charles has always taken his public duties very seriously.

“The stable relationship that marriage offers will give him the strength to continue to serve in the way he would want to.”

Lord Tollemache, the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, said: “I warmly congratulate the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles on this announcement.

“I feel sure that there will be many, many people in Suffolk who will wish them every happiness in the future.”

The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev John Gladwin, said: “I was delighted to hear the news of the forthcoming marriage of the Prince of Wales to Camilla Parker Bowles.

“I am sure everyone will join in wishing them a long and happy marriage and assure them of our prayers and affection as they prepare.

“I am delighted that the Archbishop of Canterbury has been asked and has agreed to conduct a service of prayer and dedication following the civil service.

“Marriage is a gift God has given to humanity for our joy and enrichment. Receiving God's gift is always a moment for celebration.”

The Rt Rev Christopher Morgan, the Bishop of Colchester, said he was glad to hear of the news.

“I was very pleased to hear of this development. Clearly, I think the Princess of Wales was in people's minds and will always be Princess Diana.

“So there has been some sensitivity displayed as when Charles is married, Camilla will be the Duchess of Cornwall which is rather telling and appropriate.

“I think when a couple who are committed to one another want to get married and publicly declare their union, it is a cause for celebration.”