Prince William's Cousin Zara Phillips Engaged

Prince William could soon be hearing wedding bells -- and this time they won't be his own. Zara Phillips, the cousin to the Prince, has announced her engagement after a sever year romance to rugby player Mike Tindall, reports the Daily Mail.

The couple first fell for each other after meeting in a Sydney bar during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and have been living together in Gloucestershire for several years. Mike proposed at home on Monday evening with what seems to be about a 2 carat brilliant cut diamond set on a double band of pave diamonds.

Though they haven't officially set a date yet, sources say they will tie the knot next year -- meaning there could be two royal weddings in one year. In a statement released yesterday afternoon, Zara said, "I was really shocked when Mike proposed but I am very happy." Mike added, "I am delighted that Zara has agreed to marry me. We are both very excited about the next stage of our lives together."

Zara, an international event rider, is not a Princess and does not take the title Her Royal Highness because her mother decided she wanted her children to have more normal lives. she is not required to perform royal duties and instead makes her own money and keeps a lower profile overall. Just in case you're having trouble keeping it all straight: Zara is the daughter of Princess Anne, and therefore granddaughter to Queen Elizabeth (which means her maternal uncle is Prince Charles, making William and Harry are her first cousins).

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace released a statement Tuesday, saying, "The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are delighted."