Reports are reaching us that Kate Middleton visited Prince William at Sandhurst over the weekend. Insiders are stressing the significance of the invitation to inspect the military college, fuelling speculation of a Royal engagement.

Kate, 23, sat with Prince Charles at a service in Sandhurst chapel before joining Prince William and others for lunch.

An observer commented: “William was delighted and proud to show Kate round. They seemed besotted with each other. It was the first time she has visited Sandhurst since he began his officer training.”

Clarence House has apparently insisted that the Prince will not discuss their relationship until he leaves the Army. William is expected to complete at least four years before considering an engagement.

A source in The People, a UK Sunday newspaper said: “William finds all the talk of an imminent engagement laughable. He takes his relationship with Kate extremely seriously. But he knows his service career will occupy most of his time. He does not wish to play the field — he simply does not believe in pledging his future to somebody he then ends up spending very little time with. Sandhurst is the first big test of their relationship. Kate, like William, is perfectly happy to take things slowly.”

Clearly, this story will run and run.