Royal Watch News

William to wed?

May 5, 2006, 15:08 GMT

British book makers are convinced Prince William is poised to propose to girlfriend Kate Middleton.

Bookies 'William Hill' have slashed the odds of the handsome prince getting engaged while on holiday in the Caribbean to 10/1.

William, 23, and brunette Kate have been spotted on the romantic island of Mustique looking very much in love.

The new odds come just a week after the bookmakers cut the price of William getting engaged in 2006 from 8/1 to 3/1.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams is quoted by the CasinoTimes website as saying: 'We have had a number of calls from royal fans who seem certain that an announcement is imminent.'

The royal family, particularly William's father Prince Charles, approve of the love match and have welcomed 24-year-old Kate into the family.

In March, Kate was invited into the royal box at the Cheltenham Gold Cup even though William was away at Sandhurst Military Academy, where he is enrolled in officer training.

Prince Charles' wife Camilla has also advised Kate - who met William at St Andrews University - on how to handle life as a royal girlfriend.

But the queen may not be in favour of an engagement so soon.

One source is quoted in Britain's Daily Express newspaper as saying: 'The queen has let it be known that she does not think William should marry until he is at least 28, possibly 30.

'He has his years in the military ahead of him and after that the queen wants him to take up public duties.'

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