Man dresses as prince and proposes to girlfriend at Dudley Castle
It was a true fairytale as a prince climbed to the top of Dudley Castle to propose to his princess.
Colin Richards chose the historic Black Country setting to ask his Canadian sweetheart Gina Chorna to be his wife.
The 35-year-old, who is originally from Halesowen but moved to Canada seven years ago, proposed to 27-year-old Gina at the 11th century monument dressed as a prince on Thursday afternoon – exactly a year to the day since they became a couple on a snowboarding holiday in Montana.
The pair, who met through a mutual friend and live in Edmonton in Alberta, were in the UK over Christmas and New Year so Colin could introduce Gina to his family in the Black Country.
Former Leasowes High School pupil Colin said: "I wanted to bring Gina to all the places I grew up visiting and, as we both love animals and historical buildings, I could think of nothing more perfect than to propose at the top of Dudley Castle.
“We both headed to the top but I told her to wait up there while I dashed down to get my bag from my brother, so I could sneak into a prince’s outfit just before I popped the question.
“I raced back up, went down on one knee and presented Gina with a diamond ring as I asked her to become my wife. I was nervous and excited, but thrilled when she agreed.”
Gina, who works in construction management, said: "It was a complete surprise and I couldn’t be happier.
"I have always wanted to be a princess.”
Colin's mother Lynda, father Roger and brother Geoff were also at Dudley Zoo, waiting to be the first to congratulate the couple.
Lynne Grove, Dudley Zoo's office manager, added: "We were thrilled Colin chose the zoo and castle for the romantic proposal and we wish him and Gina every success and happiness for a wonderful future together.”
The newly-engaged couple now plan to wed in the Canadian mountains around Easter 2020.
