The pair were dazzled by the flashguns of dozens of photographers when they walked into one of the lavishly decorated state rooms at St James's Palace.
The second-in-line to the throne and Miss Middleton smiled but were clearly surprised with William telling the banks of media: "I can't actually see any of you."
Miss Middleton placed her left arm through the prince's and proudly showed off the engagement ring that once adorned the finger of William's mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
Explaining why he decided to give Diana's ring to Miss Middleton, William said: "It was my way of making sure my mother didn't miss out on today and the excitement, and the fact that we're going to spend the rest of our lives together."
Asked about the proposal, Miss Middleton said: "It was very romantic, and it was very personal."
Asked if he got down on one knee to propose, William replied: "That's going to stay a secret."
The couple, both 28, ended months of speculation by announcing their engagement this morning, nine years after they met as art history students at St Andrew's University.
The Royal wedding will take place in London in the spring or summer of 2011, Clarence House said.
After getting married the couple will live in north Wales, where the Prince is serving as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.
Senior Royals and politicians offered their congratulations, although the Queen and the Prince of Wales both commented on William's tardiness in proposing.
The Queen told a guest at a Windsor Castle reception for leaders of British overseas territories: "It is brilliant news. It has taken them a very long time."
Charles said he was thrilled about his son's engagement, joking: "They have been practising long enough."
His wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, who is William's stepmother, told a well-wisher the news was "absolutely wonderful".
Speaking outside their home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, Miss Middleton's parents Michael and Carole said they were "absolutely delighted".
Prime Minister David Cameron described it as "a great day for our country" and said the Prince was "thrilled" when he rang him to offer his congratulations.
Revealing that he slept on the Mall on the night of the 1981 wedding of Charles and Diana, Mr Cameron predicted that the Royal wedding would unite Britain.
He said: "It is incredibly exciting news and I'm sure that the whole country will want to pass their very best wishes to the happy couple, and wish them an incredibly long and happy life together."
Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, said: "It's wonderful news. Very exciting. My family are all thrilled for them both."
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