Kate Middleton given media training

Aug 31, 2005, 14:47 GMT

Prince William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, has been given media training by Clarence House.

Proving the brunette beauty is set to be a long-term fixture in the British royal's life, Clarence House has given Kate lessons in how to cope with the increasing interest in her private life.

She has reportedly been taught how to handle photographers who are desperate to snap her with the handsome prince, and insiders say the 23-year-old has learnt well.

A source told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "It is quite remarkable how well she has been able to handle the sudden publicity at her age. She's an absolute credit to William."

Earlier this month, William's girlfriend was invited to dinner with Queen Elizabeth II.

The invitation to dinner at Balmoral Castle will be hugely significant for Kate, who many believe is ideal marriage material for the young prince. Her presence at such an intimate gathering fuelled speculation that an engagement is imminent, but a royal aide said that the Queen's dinner invitation should not be misinterpreted.

He said: "As Williams's grandmother, the Queen is keen to get to know his girlfriend, especially as she has seen how fond of each other they have become."

The prince met Kate while studying at St Andrew's University in 2001 and they have been an item ever since.

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