Prince William and Kate Middleton to announce engagement at Christmas?

Royal insiders say the pair are ready to wed, but an announcement won’t be made until Will has asked the Queen’s permission

Prince William and Kate Middleton are ready to wed, and could even announce their engagement at Christmas, according to royal insiders.

PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON: RELATIONSHIP IN PICS!

The pair – who are said to be ‘unofficially engaged’ – turned heads at the weekend when they attended the wedding of friends Harry Meade and Rosemarie Bradford in Northleach, Gloucestershire.

They looked relaxed and happy as they stepped out, but their decision to appear together so publicly – they usually arrive and leave separately to avoid being photographed - was branded a significant move by royal experts.

‘There's a sense this is the beginning, we may as well get used to seeing Kate in the royal arena,’ royal expert Ken Wharfe, revealed. ‘As if this were a rehearsal.’

Now it’s thought an engagement announcement could come as soon as Christmas, although we won't be hearing any wedding bells unless William has asked the Queen’s permission first.

In keeping with tradition, it’s thought the young royal will have to request a private audience with the Queen, and get her blessing before a formal announcement can be made.

‘Even though Wills and Kate are unofficially engaged, asking the Queen's permission is an important traditional step for William’ Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine told the Mirror.

‘It is unlikely he has done it already,’ she said, adding there 'probably won't be an announcement before Christmas, but they’ll get married soon after.’

It’s thought the pair already have several dates in mind for the nuptials, which are expected to take place next summer.

Will you be glad to see Prince William and Kate Middleton finally tie the knot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.

PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON: RELATIONSHIP IN PICS

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