Prince William's Romantic Wedding Proposal

by Anne Chertoff, Posted Nov 17th 2010 5:00PM

GF, bauergriffinonline.com

Prince William shared with the world that he proposed to longtime love Kate Middleton while they were vacationing in Kenya last month. In a video interview (watch it here) he explained that they had been talking about getting married for a while but he said "as every guy will know, it takes a certain amount of motivation to get yourself going...and it felt really right" to pop the question in Africa. He added that he had done a little planning to show his romantic side.

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Kate said that "it [the proposal] was a total shock when it came and very excitng."

So what was this romantic Kenyan spot Prince William chose?

The couple visited Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy, Manda Bay and Rutundu -- the last two managed by The Safari and Conservation Company.

Read how he proposed below:

Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Prince William and Kate Middleton stayed at the Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy and he popped the question by a lake next to the slopes of Africa's second-highest peak, Mount Kenya.
Only accessible by helicopter, the RAF pilot flew his bride-to-be to the lakeside in a borrowed helicopter.

Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy is owned by the parents of Prince William's friend Jecca Craig. The couple were on vacation in Kenya with friends when Prince William surprised Kate Middleton with his mother's sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

Rutundu, The Safari and Conservation Company

Rutundu is a log cabin in a very remote but romantic spot on the slopes of Mount Kenya and has been reported at the "secret" location where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton.

The Rutundu complex has been referred to as the "Balmoral of Africa" because of its similar landscape and climate to the Queen's Scottish estate.

Guests chopper in and can enjoy hiking and fishing in nearby Lake Alice. Rutundu is off the beaten path and ideal for couples looking for an exclusive destination. Rates start at $300 a night.

Manda Bay, The Safari and Conservation Company.

During their vacation, Prince William and Kate Middleton also stayed at Manda Bay a romantic island where each "cottage" overlooks the beach and water.

Manda Bay is a small boutique lodge that offers couples a variety of outdoor activities. Rates start at $860 for a double room.

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Tags: catherine middleton, engagement ring, Kate Middleton, Prince William, proposal, royal wedding