There are reports that Kate Middleton has accepted a Palace invitation to spend part of the Christmas holidays at Sandringham with the Royal Family.

Clearly aware that this may be her last Christmas as a single girl, she has wisely opted to remain in the bosom of her family on Christmas Day, but will travel to Norfolk for the Boxing Day shoot.

Last year a similar situation arose but Kate chose to be in Scotland with her family for the festive season.

The ever-sensible Queen will no doubt approve of her priorities on this occasion. Reports of “snubs” to Her Majesty should be taken with a large dose of salts. Early provisional guest lists are not Royal Commands.

Prince William is seeking his own personal press secretary. The prestigious appointment begins next year, suggesting that a major “change of use” is set to occur.

Until now William has relied on his father’s press office for spin-doctoring services, but clearly wishes to branch out on his own once he finishes his stint with the Armed Forces. With Prince Charles’s expensive media machine already in situ it’s hard to see why William would need his own office if he were planning to remain at Clarence House next year. The proposed appointment indicates he is planning to set up a home of his own.

The new press officer will cover the Prince’s day-to-day engagements and field questions about his private life. The successful candidate will need to be a top professional with knowledge of Royal affairs and a sensitivity to the political landscape. He or she could expect to receive a handsome remuneration package along the lines of Prince Charles’s arrangements and may even be paid by the Duchy of Cornwall.

With William’s Army career ending in January, it’s doubtful whether SAS officer Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton will continue in his job as his Private Secretary. By some accounts his main role has been keeping the exuberant Prince Harry out of trouble, while facilitating William’s workflow in the military. He may, of course, stay on as Prince Harry’s fixer and troubleshooter.

It looks as if 2009 will be a watershed for the second-in-line to the Throne. The same may be said of Kate Middleton. Even with more time on his hands, it’s unlikely William would set up a new household without Kate. It would inevitably lead to speculation that they had split up again.

The new look for William’s life has all the feel of a well thought-through plan organized by the military — as the best Royal events are.

A newly-independent Prince William, together with Kate, will cut quite a dash on the public scene.

Last week it was Royal Ascot, this week and next it’s Wimbledon. With such entertainment on offer during a packed summer season, it’s not surprising that Royal news is all about sport.

It doesn’t help, of course, that Princes William and Harry are mostly away on military service, while their girlfriends are either keeping a low profile or completing university exams.

So, what’s happening this week? Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa, now working as a party organizer, gave Ascot a miss last week, as did the rest of her family, despite rumours to the contrary. She will, however, visit Wimbledon this week:

“I’ve not been to Ascot because I don’t like racing, but I love tennis and I’m going to get along some time [this] week.”

Perhaps the same reasoning applies to Kate and, just as in previous years, she will make a regal appearance in the Royal Box.

There’s also some chatter around that Pippa is still seeing old uni chum and flatmate, George Percy, heir to the Duke of Northumberland. “It’s true we’re often seen together, but we’re not going out, we are just very old friends,” she said, modestly.

Prince William is 26 today, Midsummer Day — a birthdate for Kings.

Prince William operating the periscope of a submarine

He is currently on attachment to the Royal Navy at its training college in Dartmouth, Devon.

The Prince spent 24 hours on a nuclear powered submarine earlier in the week while it took part in wargames exercises. He is next expected to join the frigate HMS Iron Duke, on duty in the North Atlantic, for five weeks.

We are told he will celebrate his birthday privately. Although not confirmed, it is widely expected that Kate Middleton will play a part in the festivities.

Royal Anecdotes wishes His Royal Highness a very happy birthday and a swift engagement to his lady love.