Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton has turned 27,frey wille prix, as speculation grows that the couple will announce their engagement this year.

The couple spent much of the festive period holidaying at the royal retreat of Birkhall, the Prince of Wales's home on the Queen's private Balmoral estate in Scotland.

During their time together it was reported that William and his long-term partner enjoyed a romantic meal in a secluded log cabin in the grounds of the home.

The Prince,frey wille+prix, an Army officer, is due to start training to become an RAF search-and-rescue helicopter pilot in the coming weeks while Kate works for a party goods supplier run by her parents.

Bookmakers William Hill said speculation around a royal wedding had seen the odds for an engagement announcement this year shorten from 6-4 to 1-2 in the last few weeks.

The couple met at St Andrews University in 2001 - where they were both studying history of art, although in the end William switched to geography.

It was Kate, who is six months older than William, who was credited with persuading the Prince to continue his studies when he considered quitting as he struggled to adjust to university life during his first year.

The attractive brunette caught his eye shortly after he arrived in the Fife town.

Kate,acheter bijoux frey wille, real name Catherine, is the eldest child of businessman Michael Middleton and former air hostess Carole.

The self-made millionaires live in a modern five-bedroom detached house in Bucklebury, a small village near Newbury, Berkshire, and run mail-order business Party Pieces which sells toys and party paraphernalia.