Robin and Gaynor name their big day

ROBIN COOK and his lover, Gaynor Regan, yesterday posed for photographs after confirming they are to be married on 19 April at Chevening, the Foreign Secretary's grace and favour residence in Kent.

"I am delighted that we are getting married at Chevening," he said. "It has given us rare intervals of privacy and we both think it right that our wedding should be where we have had our most peaceful times together.

"The last couple of months have been difficult for both of us but our commitment is greater and our love is deeper because of the experiences we have been through together.

"I hope our marriage will show that the true story of my private life is that it's a very content and fulfilled life with the woman I want to make as happy as she makes me."

The house, once a country retreat for the Prince of Wales, was admired by his ex-wife, Margaret, before their marriage break-up, which ended in divorce last month after 28 years. The taxpayer will not be picking up the bill.

The wedding clashes with Tony Blair's trip to the Middle East, so the Prime Minister will not be able to attend.However, the couple are planning a larger reception in London in the weeks after the wedding ceremony and it is possible that Mr Blair will attend that.