News, Articles & Reviews

In a move that will inevitably increase speculation that Prince William may soon announce his engagement to Kate Middleton, Mandrake hears that he has requested his own personal spin-doctor.

"William wants to start having more say over his own life and thinks that a dedicated press officer could help him achieve that," one of the Prince's chums tells me.

William, who turned 26 last weekend, has completed his basic training with the Royal Navy, with whom he is undertaking a two-month attachment. He recently spent 24 hours on a nuclear-
powered submarine as it took part in wargames, and will join the frigate HMS Iron Duke, on duty in the North Atlantic, for five weeks.

The press officer would cover William's Royal engagements but would, inevitably, have to handle inquiries about his private life.

Kate, 26, whom the Prince met while they were both students at St Andrews University, has attended a number of important events over recent months, including the ceremony at RAF Cranwell, in Lincolnshire, in April, at which William received his "wings".

The couple separated for a period of a few weeks last year, after William began his military service, but Kate since appears to have taken on a more prominent role in his life. There has been intense speculation that the couple will announce their engagement towards the end of this year, with the wedding held in the spring.

Source