Prince Charles goes shooting with William's girlfriend

Britain's heir to the throne Prince Charles was pictured in Sunday newspapers out shooting with his eldest son Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton, interpreted as a sign of her growing acceptance in royal circles.

The pair donned camouflage clothing for a deer stalking lesson with two gamekeepers at Queen Elizabeth II's private Balmoral country estate in eastern Scotland.

The Sunday Telegraph reported it was the first time Charles had been photographed publicly with Middleton, fuelling speculation she may soon become engaged to army officer William, second in line to the throne.

It was the "clearest sign yet that she will one day become his (Charles's) daughter-in-law," said the Sunday Express's royal editor Camilla Tominey.

William and Middleton, both 25, are on a break at Balmoral, which is used by the royals as a summer retreat.

They are staying at Birkhall, Charles's home on the estate, as the guests of the prince and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

AFP