Melbourne, Sept 07: Prince William’s engagement with his girlfriend Kate Middleton could be at least 18 months away. A senior Royal Household source has insisted that any Royal wedding talk was premature, for the couple may not tie the knot until 2010.

The couple sparked a flurry of excitement as they posed for photographs at a friend`s wedding in Austria.

It was the first wedding the pair has attended as a couple for nearly three years, with Middleton having appeared by herself at two royal nuptials this year while William was away working with Britain`s armed forces.

However, the source has played down the chances of the couple’s marrying any time soon.

“There is a lot of planning involved in a royal engagement announcement of a member of the family as senior as Prince William,” the source was quoted as saying.

“A number of high-profile people have to be informed formally, and the couple have to be introduced to the Prime Minister of the day among others. All this takes time.

“As far as I am aware I cannot see there being an engagement between the Prince and Miss Middleton for at least 18 months,” the source added.

ANI