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BRITAIN - The world's most eligible man is single again, bringing hope to hundreds of aristocratic British lovelies and devastation to the millions of monarchists waiting for a royal romance to finally end happily ever after.
News last night that the second in line to the throne, 24-year-old Prince William, had split from his longtime love Kate Middleton, 25, was greeted with disbelief.
Just a month ago, bookmakers were still offering only slim odds on the date of a royal wedding and pictures of the two enjoying a scantily-clad holiday were still in the women's magazines.
Prince Charles was said to have planned their marital home and the British public seemed to love the brunette English rose, who rarely put a prettily shod foot wrong.
But last night friends confirmed a story in The Sun newspaper was true; the couple had split after more than three years together.
The separation was caused by the huge pressures on the young couple and because of the time William has devoted to Army life, The Sun reported.
Middleton has been the focus of media pressure for months as rumours spread the couple would announce their engagement.
The retail accessories buyer for high street chainstore Jigsaw, whose parents also made their fortune in retail, was almost daily photographed on London streets. Despite her demure princess-in-waiting smile, glossy hair and impeccable grooming, she nevertheless despised the intrusion and complained to the press watchdog about alleged harassment by the Daily Mirror.
One Mirror picture showed an unsmiling Middleton, wearing sunglasses and carrying a coffee cup, published under the headline: Look out Wills, here comes an heirbashing.
The story suggested the reason for her expression may be Prince William's laddish escapades. The Prince was said to be furious. He believes this kind of stalking murdered his mother and was now being forced to watch his girlfriend endure eerily similar treatment.
It wasn't just the press pushing for a royal wedding. Insiders were reported as saying the prince's advisers were pushing for an engagement so the relationship could be formalised before he was posted with his regiment.
Those with long memories pointed out that it was while Charles was serving in the Navy that Camilla was swept off her feet by the man who would become her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles.
Earlier this year it was reported that Prince Charles' architect, Craig Hamilton, had filed plans for a six-bedroom house less than an hour's drive from his palace at Highgrove, increasing speculation that the royal family was equipping William for married life.
With its orangery and a four-bay garage, the house was destined to become Prince William's first home. The classically inspired two-storey house was to be built in the Harewood Park estate in Herefordshire. It was reported then that when Prince William finally married, the 900 acre estate, which became part of the Duchy of Cornwall six years ago, would become his country seat.
The couple first met at St Andrews University in 2002, flatted together then spent much of their time at Middleton's Chelsea flat in London. The engagement rumour mill went into overdrive in December after Middleton made her first appearance at Sandringham and at William's passing out parade at Sandhurst.
But even late last year there were signs of Middleton's fierce independence. She reportedly turned down a rare invitation to attend Christmas lunch at Sandringham with the royals. She was reported to have said she would only join the Windsors if she and the future king were married.
