Retailer Already Planning for Royal Engagement

BBC News reports that Woolworths chain stores have designed souvenirs to celebrate Prince William's future engagement to Kate Middleton. However, Prince William has yet to pop the question and a spokesman for the retailer claims it has "no inside information."

Some of the store's designs include china plates, thimbles, mats, chocolates and pictures of William and Kate, with frames bearing the message, "Celebrating the Royal marriage of William and Kate," and a space left for the date.

Stephen Robertson, Marketing Director for Woolworths, explained the merchandise by stating that he did not want the store to be suprised by a sudden announcement of the royal engagement. He said, "We plan to be ready. This will allow our customers to celebrate a royal wedding in style...There was a massive demand for products when Charles and Camilla got married, but because of their short engagement we didn't have enough time to design, manufacture and retail products. This time we'll be ready."

While the royal family has not commented on the matter, there has been much speculation that Prince William and Kate Middleton will be announcing their engagement soon. Both 24 years old, the couple met at St. Andrews University in 2001 and were first seen in public together on a skiing trip in 2004.