Kate Faces Similar Early Scrutiny As Diana

She makes headlines for getting a parking ticket, newspapers comment on her fashion choices, and her 25th birthday Tuesday is generating a media storm.

Prince William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, may one day become queen of England. Before then, she is undergoing the ordeal seemingly demanded of royal wannabes since Lady Diana Spencer began dating Prince Charles more than a quarter-century ago.

A frenzy is building around Middleton — fueled, perhaps, by a large dose of wishful thinking from the press and public.

Pictures of the brunette fashion buyer, who has dated William since both were university students, fetch thousands of dollars from the tabloid press. Paparazzi follow her to work, on shopping trips and on nights out with the prince. One recent, widely published snapshot showed Middleton receiving a ticket from a parking warden outside her London home.

"I certainly wouldn't want to come out of one of these doors and be met by 20 or 30 big ugly blokes flashing cameras in my face," photographer Paul Chesterton tells CBS News correspondent Sheila MacVicar.

Middleton's lawyers are considering legal action to bolster her right to privacy, MacVicar reports.

"Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton's lawyers and others will just bare in mind that there have been occasions in the past when it has suited the royal book quite nicely to have an appropriate paparazzi shot taken," Patrick Jephson, Princess Diana's former private secretary said.

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Photos: Prince William

Photos: Remembering Diana

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The retail chain Woolworths has commissioned Wills-and-Kate engagement memorabilia, despite the absence of any evidence that a betrothal announcement is imminent.

"It would be more of a surprise now if they split than if they marry," said Robert Jobson, author of the recently published book, "William's Princess."

"I think it's only a matter of time before this role of princess in waiting is changed to being a real princess and maybe one day queen consort."

British bookmaking firm William Hill says it is so certain William will pop the question, it has stopped taking bets on whether the pair will get engaged — only on the date.

"We're certain they will — it's a question of when, not if," said spokesman Rupert Adams.

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[gramto7]

She's got two HUGE things in her favor that Diana did not have:
1. She has a clue of what she's in for.
2. She has a supportive and understanding partner.

Posted by mgpm

Those two things will make a world of difference for her life as compared to Diana's. While Diana was beloved by almost everyone worldwide who had tv access, her own husband was a real horse's a$$ to her. Her son is much more of a gentleman than his father.

[syphlis]

William is hittin THAT!@?? YEEEAAHAHHH BOOOYYYEEEE

[mgpm-2009]

She's got two HUGE things in her favor that Diana did not have:
1. She has a clue of what she's in for.
2. She has a supportive and understanding partner.

[olebd]

She's got a naughty little smile :)

OH, BEHAVE!!! - Austin Powers

[olebd]

She is cute. I wonder if she has a webcam site?