The people of North Yorkshire today gave their blessing to Charles and Camilla after the couple showed their love for each other to the world.

The couple were pictured together for the first time in public as they emerged from the Ritz Hotel at midnight.

Royal watchers said while the appearance took only seconds, it had clearly been planned for some time as a public indication of their feelings.

And the planning appears to have paid off - if the people of North Yorkshire, at least, are anything to go by.

Today the Archdeacon of York, The Venerable George Austin, said the couple were clearly meant for each other - and the church should stop burying its head in the sand.

They should be allowed a civil marriage, which could later be blessed by the church, he said.

He said: "She is obviously the love of his life and is good for him."

York MP Hugh Bayley added: "It is clear they have been in love for years. I hope they can build a close and happy relationship for the future. It would be sad if pompous public opinion kept them apart."

And the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Derek Smallwood, added he was delighted with the sensitive way Charles and Camilla had handled their relationship and hoped ultimately the couple would be able to marry.

He said: "He has shown a sensitivity because of the death of Diana, who was held in very high regard in York, as was he.

"He has shown a real sensitivity to the way the public view his relationship and he's done it ever so gently. People appreciate that."

The couple won the backing of ordinary men and women in the area too.

John Flannery, visiting York today from Leeds, said: "It really is up to them what they do and it has nothing to do with anybody else.

"I just wish the same for them as I would for anybody else. As long as they're happy they should be left alone to get on with it."

Charles Wheatley, from Clifton, said: "It is their business and they shouldn't be treated any differently to any other person. They are entitled to a life just like anybody else."

And Irene Bobkiewicz, from Haxby Road, added: "They should be left alone just like any other couple would be."

Royal watchers pronounced the appearance of the couple in public as unsurprising - but highly significant.

Royal author Judy Wade said it was important that Charles appeared to place his arm on Camilla's back as they left the Ritz.

see COMMENT ''Secret' love is out'

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