2012 wedding bells for Prince William?

Prince William has yet to propose to Kate Middleton, but courtiers have already been briefed to start working on a royal wedding, potentially for 2012.

The Mail on Sunday has been told that a wedding is now being openly talked about at Buckingham Palace and early-stage talks are under way to dovetail William and Middleton's wedding with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Significantly, it is the year when William turns 30, the age he famously said he was likely to get married.

According to a source, the Queen has privately said she would be delighted if William and Kate's wedding were to coincide with her diamond celebrations.

The Prince, who completes his RAF training in September next year, has been dating Middleton for six years.

Their closest friends have already placed bets on them announcing their engagement at the end of next year when William completes his course, but they have insisted that a wedding is unlikely any time in the immediate future.

"Nothing is set in stone, but 2012 is the date that is now being talked about," one royal insider said.