Prince William's relationship with his girlfriend, Kate Middleton, moved a significant step forward yesterday when they appeared together for the first time at a family wedding.

The couple attended the marriage of Laura Parker Bowles, the daughter of the Duchess of Cornwall, to Harry Lopes, a former Calvin Klein underwear model turned accountant, in Lacock, Wiltshire.

Prince William and Miss Middleton, who were among 300 guests, were both looking sun-tanned after a holiday together in the Caribbean. They have been together since they began sharing a flat in 2002, when they were students at St Andrews University

The presence of Miss Middleton, 24, at an event also attended by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry shows that she is now completely accepted in royal circles.

It will inevitably lead to increased speculation that it is only a matter of time before Prince William, 23, and Miss Middleton get married themselves. Kate looked every inch the royal beauty in a cream embroidered knee length jacket and feathered hat.

Watch this space....