Punter backs Kate to say a quick 'I do'

While the 'are they' 'aren't they' riddle has been solved and Prince William looks to be firmly back with Kate Middleton, bookies are hoping that they aren't as reconciled as they appear as one punter stands to win £25,000 if they return from their Seychelles holiday as man and wife.

Speculation has mounted recently that the prince will propose to his girlfriend after reports emerged that the couple had staged their break-up and in fact were still very much a couple. In recent weeks the pair have been spotted at the Live Earth concert and Middleton was a guest in the royal box at the Princess Diana tribute concert. 

Bookies William Hill are hoping that the romance of the Seychelles will not result in a beach wedding as it would cost them £25,000 as one punter put £100 on the market when it was put on to the firm's website recently.

"We have not had any sleepless nights on this one, but we understand that the hotel they are staying at does cater for weddings. If their next holiday is in Las Vegas or Gretna it will be no more bets on this one!" said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

If the mystery punter from central London misses out this time there is still time for him to profit from the future royal couple as the firm offer 100/1 that they will get married in the next two weeks or 1000/1 that William will get an 'I love Kate' tattoo on his arm.

William Hill Royal Wagers:
Evs Kate & William get engaged in next five years
2/1 Get engaged in 2008
5/1 Get engaged in 2007
25/1 Return from Holiday with a ring on finger
100/1 Get married in the next two weeks
1000/1 William to get I Love Kate tattooed on his arm