Oct 29, 2007, 13:30 GMT
Britain's Prince William is whisking girlfriend Kate Middleton away on holiday to a romantic paradise island this Christmas, sparking rumours he is set to propose.
William and Kate's relationship is said to be "stronger that ever" and royal sources are now convinced the 25-year-old prince is planning to pop the question when he takes Kate, 25, to a secret location in the Bahamas.
A royal aide told Britain's The People newspaper: "As a couple they are stronger than ever and the picturesque Bahamas setting would be the perfect backdrop for William to ask for Kate's hand in marriage.
"With William finishing his military career with stints in the Navy and the Royal Air Force (RAF) next year, there appears to be no further need to wait.
"There is also the view of William's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, to be taken into account, as she has told him he cannot keep dithering if he is serious about Kate."
William and Kate's four-year relationship has gone from strength to strength since they reunited in July following a brief split.
The young lovebirds cemented their rekindled romance with a break together in the Seychelles in August.
The couple are said to have rented out the whole Desroches Island Resort, the only hotel on the island, and its 20 apartments for a week, to ensure their privacy.
At the start of this month they gave an indication of how serious they were about each other when they flew to Scotland to spend the weekend at the queen's Balmoral estate with William's family.
(C) BANG Media International
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