Bookies predict Prince's wedding

Bookies say that Prince William will marry girlfriend in July next year.

London: Prince William, the second-in -line to the British throne, and his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton will tie the knot in July next year, if bookies in the UK are to be believed.

According to bookmakers, who`ve slashed the odds amid fears that punters are in possession of inside information, the couple have fixed July 23 as their wedding date, with an engagement likely to be announced before this Christmas, the `Daily Express` reported. However, the couple, both 28, are believed to have ruled out the idea of a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey or St Paul`s Cathedral, the scene of Prince Charles`s wedding to Princess Diana. Instead, Prince William and Kate are thought to prefer St George`s Chapel, Windsor, where Prince Charles` marriage to Camilla was blessed. Bookmaker William Hill said a July date in 2011 is now odds on at 4/6. Ladbrokes are no longer accepting any bets on a 2011 wedding. William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams last night said: "Whenever we see a flurry of bets we slash the prices because we`re worried that the leak has got out there. It`s clear that if a wedding is on the cards, a lot of people will know about it so it will leak out." Buckingham Palace has insisted that no official announcement is imminent. But Kate recently gave a further hint when she started having outfits tailormade. The blue dress she wore to the wedding of William`s friend Harry Meade was created for her by Daniella Issa Helayel. Last weekend, Kate`s parents were at Charles` private residence at Balmoral in a visit that would have required the Queen`s blessing. PTI