THE aunt of Princess Diana has said her niece would be delighted at the news Prince William is set to marry his girlfriend, Kate Middleton.

Lady Anne Wake-Walker, who lives in East Bergholt, said the late princess would be very proud at the royal engagement, which was announced yesterday.

“It is absolutely marvelous,” she said. “I am sure Diana would be very pleased.

“She adored her children.

“She would be very proud.”

The long-awaited engagement of Diana’s eldest son, William, to his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton, was formally announced in a statement from Clarence House.

Lady Anne, who’s brother John, the eighth Earl Spencer, was Diana’s father, yesterday welcomed the royal news, saying the forthcoming wedding would bring some cheer to the country.

Speaking from her home in East Bergholt, which was visited by the Diana during her childhood, Lady Anne said she was thrilled by the news.

“I am delighted along with everyone else,” she said. “It is really wonderful.

“I am so glad they have announced it.”

Lady Anne, who was married to the late Captain Christopher Wake-Walker, said she had only met her young nephew once when he was a child.

But as pictures of the happy couple are sent around the World, Lady Anne said she was very pleased for the pair.