Prince Carl Philip of Sweden engaged to reality TV star and former model Sofia Hellqvist

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and fiancee Sofia Hellqvist

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden has announced his engagement to long-time partner and former glamour model Sofia Hellqvist.

The Swedish court confirmed the prince, who is third in line to the throne, will marry the 29-year old next summer, although the exact date is yet to be decided.

The newly-engaged couple met in 2009 and have lived together on the Stockholm island of Djurgarden since 2011.

Known for his playboy reputation, the 35-year old told reporters he was "honoured" to be engaged to a "fantastic girl" at a press conference on Friday, but did not comment further.

Ms Hellqvist rose to fame on the Swedish reality television show 'Paradise Hotel', where she claimed to have kissed American porn star Jenna Jameson, and posed in lightly clad attire in magazines. In recent years, she has softened her image and now works for a charity organisation.

Prince Carl Philip is the second oldest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf, who has been King of Sweden since 1973, and Queen Silvia. Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and the royal family has no political power.

Additional reporting PA