Prince William and Kate Middleton set for official appearance together

Sep 20, 2005, 16:18 GMT

Britain's Prince William and girlfriend Kate Middleton are set to make their first official public appearance together.

After a string of meetings with William's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, stunning Kate is ready to step out officially as the future king's girlfriend.

Insiders say the monarch approves of her grandson's long-term lover, who he met at St Andrew's University in 2001, and the public appearance is reportedly set to take place over the next few weeks.

A source revealed: "As far as the Royal family is concerned, Kate is being seen as 'The One'. William wants her to be acknowledged as an important part of his life. He has grown weary of all the secrecy surrounding their relationship."

Last month, Kate was given media training by Clarence House.

Proving the brunette beauty is set to be a long-term fixture in William'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.

One said at the time: "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."

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