Spain's Prince Felipe announces engagement

Spanish heir to the throne Prince Felipe has become engaged to a previously married television presenter, crowning years of gossip…

Spanish heir to the throne Prince Felipe has become engaged to a previously married television presenter, crowning years of gossip and speculation about the love life of the tall and handsome prince.

Don Felipe de Borbon y Grecia (35) will marry Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, 31, in a ceremony next summer at a cathedral next to the royal palace in Madrid, the palace said in a statement. Felipe will formally ask for her hand on Thursday.

The eligible royal bachelor has been a hot topic in gossip and society magazines for many years as he is next in line to be king. His father, King Juan Carlos, is 68.

In Spain, the king plays the largely ceremonial role of head of state, with power resting in the elected prime minister. But Juan Carlos played a weighty part in the country's peaceful transition to democracy after the death of longtime dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975.