London, June 15: Three British newspapers, all claiming an exclusive, reported in today`s editions that Prince William has maintained a long-distance romance with a young woman in Kenya for two years. The Mail on Sunday, News of the World and The Sunday Express all reported that 21-year-old Jessica Craig was to be a guest at the Prince`s 21st birthday party - with its out of Africa theme -next week.
The Mail on Sunday said William was smitten with Craig after he met her in May 2001 when he visited Kenya during his one-year break between school and college. He reportedly stayed with the Craig family at their ranch.
The News of the World said the prince spent most of his four months in Africa with the Craigs.
The Mail on Sunday said the prince had returned three times, and that Craig had been to Britain several times.
It reported she is staying at Highgrove, Prince Charles` country home, before the birthday party at Windsor Castle, where she is to meet William`s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince William is halfway through his studies at St. Andrews University in Scotland. During an interview published last month, he said that in addition to his regular courses and lectures he is trying to teach himself to speak Swahili because he loves Africa.
Bureau Report