Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for a photograph in St. James's Palace, Nov. 16, 2010 Suzanne Plunkett/LandovTalk about a picture-perfect couple!
Hours after news of their royal engagement broke, Prince William and bride-to-be Kate Middleton appeared for the first time as an engaged couple during a photo call at St. James's Palace – and her ring was on view.
According to an official statement from the office of the father of the groom-to-be, Prince Charles, the two, both 28, "became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya."
While no official wedding date has been announced, the two are expected to marry in the spring or summer of next year.
"Everyone is absolutely delighted," an old friend tells PEOPLE. "He has never had eyes for any other woman since Kate came on the scene. She is going to make a wonderful wife, a wonderful princess." View the original article here
Given that Prince George's County residents had largely said their goodbyes to Jack B. Johnson, whose eight years as county executive end in three weeks, news of his arrest on criminal charges might have been shrugged off as yesterday's news.
But then out spilled the allegations in Johnson's arrest - almost $80,000 in cash collected from wife Leslie Johnson's bra, an $100,000 check flushed down the toilet of his Mitchellville home as FBI agents stood outside.
For many residents, the events Friday made the end of his term painful. Supporters had seen his survival through years of swirling rumors of corruption as a symbol of the county's scrappy quest for respect.
Even some detractors of Johnson (D) seemed deflated by the news and wondered: If he had to go down, did it have to be like this?
"People are taking this very personally," said Angelo Vaughn, 53, as he worked on the engine of his red Jeep Cherokee with two cousins in Hyattsville on Sunday. "My wife is taking this very personally, and she never met Jack Johnson. How could a person in such a vaunted position, weeks before the end of his term, get caught?"
"People are saying this is so embarrassing," he said.
Authorities say Johnson's arrest is part of a four-year federal investigation of allegations that developers have paid bribes in exchange for official favors from Prince George's officials.
Johnson and his wife, who was elected to the County Council in November, have been charged with destroying evidence and tampering with witnesses. U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein said Friday that more arrests and charges are likely, which has many developers and elected leaders worried about the scope of the investigation.
At a news conference after he was released from custody, Johnson said he is innocent and will be vindicated when the facts of the case come out.
All weekend, in front yards, in church parking lots, on street corners and in diners, Prince George's residents were talking more privately than publicly about Johnson's plight. Many spoke in hushed tones, and some asked not to be quoted.
"The people are hurt," Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene W. Grant said. "They are also angry. They are angry at the investigators and the timing. They're angry at the people who put themselves in this position. We were the shining example of black intellect and black wealth in the country. We are the place where people in the country looked to. Now, the national reputation is based upon disgrace, ineffective leadership and corruption."
Louise Reeder, 71, lived in the county for more than 10 years before moving to the District but returns on Sundays to attend Kent Baptist Church in Hyattsville.
"My concern is what will be the impact of this for our children who need role models so bad. I have spent years teaching young people the importance of being honest, trustworthy and being good citizens."
Eugene Williams, 68, English teacher at Annapolis Road Academy in Bladensburg
"I am saddened; I am shocked; I am dismayed. We need to be in prayer for our county executive, our first lady and for the citizens of Prince George's County. At this point the situation is so fluid, it is hard, even inappropriate, to predict the ultimate outcome of what is going on."
The Rev. Jonathan Weaver, pastor of Greater Mount Nebo AME Church in Bowie and head of Collective Banking Group, an organization of 200 churches focused on bringing development to Prince George's
"This is a sad day for Prince George's County, and for County Executive Johnson and his family. Now more than ever, it's important that all of us who have worked together to move the county forward renew our efforts and continue on our path of progress, even in difficult times."
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley
"He's a good man. He's the same as my son. I thought that they were having a party."
Helen Berger, who lives doors away from the Johnsons and watched as events unfolded Friday
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Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for a photograph in St. James's Palace, Nov. 16, 2010 Suzanne Plunkett/LandovTalk about a picture-perfect couple! 
