BRITAIN’S Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton will marry in 2012, reports the UK’s Daily Mail newspaper.

According to the publication, the couple — who have dated for eight years — will likely tie the knot to coincide with Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.“Nothing is set in stone but 2012 is the date that is now being talked

“The Queen has said she doesn’t want to be overburdened in the year of her jubilee. Having a Royal Wedding is the perfect compromise for keeping the limelight on the Royal Family but taking the pressure off the Monarch.

“Whether William and Kate get married in 2012 or the year before, it will be the Queen who will throw them the most wonderful party and the line of thinking at the moment is that 2012 could be the perfect date. It would be the opportune time to put Britain and the Royal Family on the world stage.

“William is in no hurry to be married, so there is every chance it could be 2012 and the fact that it is now being talked about at the Palace between a select few means the ball is now rolling.

“With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, it will be a busy year, but a wedding is only one day and it could easily be fitted between the two events.

“It could be the perfect time to present William and Kate as the future King and Queen.

“The Olympics is not being taken into account although obviously there wouldn’t be a clash. As far as the Queen is concerned, she wants her Jubilee kept away from the Olympics.

“Knowing William, 2012 will suit him. He wants the chance to be a pilot before he gets married and takes on a life of Royal duty.’

“The Palace wants William to have his own profile before he gets married. When he marries Kate, there’s a good chance the public’s attention will deflect to her.

“There are quite a few people who would like to see a wedding date pushed back to 2012.

“The RAF for one would be happier if William got married in 2012 because they will be able to reap the benefits of having him for longer, but of course it is not in their hands or anyone else’s.

“It will be William’s decision in consultation with the Queen.”