According to gossips, an announcement could be made as soon as next month  on August 31, the 12th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. William dreads the date, which he is said to have dubbed 'doom and gloom day'.

Says a courtier: 'If they do choose August 31, it would mean the date could be remembered for something positive and not just for something sad. Of course, he hasn't told us yet.'

Editor: I bet they have all the plates & mugs with tacky photographs of Kate & Prince William ready to hit the shelves.....