Prince William worried about Middleton questions

Nov 1, 2005, 16:19 GMT

Britain's Prince William reportedly refuses to publicly announce he is in a relationship with girlfriend Kate Middleton - because he is afraid of a barrage of questions.

The handsome prince and history of art graduate Kate met while studying at St Andrew's University in Scotland.

They have been pictured together often and Kate has even met William's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II - but they have not yet formally announced they are an item.

William's good friend, Oliver Hicks, told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "They are together. I spent the weekend with them. The reason they never confirm their relationship is because they don't want to make it open season for people to ask questions."

Oliver also revealed that Kate is set to become a businesswoman now her studies are over.

He said: "She's setting up a company that will design and sell clothes for children."

Oliver, who recently sailed solo from North America to the Isles of Sicily, has been friends with Prince William for years and says they have a lot in common - despite the prince's terrible jokes.

He said: "I do tease him about his sense of humour. He's always dropping clangers - saying things that just aren't that funny, but are intended to be.

"Depending who he's with, people will either laugh or just look at him."

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