Kate Middleton Told to Get a Job

The Queen has ordered Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton to get a proper full-time job before the young couple consider getting married.

The 82-year-old British monarch, who still keeps up a full calendar of Royal engagements, has made it clear she expects the same work ethic from any future daughter-in-law.

The Queen is also said to be concerned that William's public image could suffer if the public did not consider Middleton to be a working professional in her own right.

A senior Royal aide said, "The Queen is very aware that it's a serious and long-term relationship.

"On the few occasions the Queen has met Kate, she thought she was a nice enough girl. But she still has no idea what Kate actually does.

"She believes in a modern monarchy and that everyone in this country should be in work.

"She feels very strongly that the Royals should be leading by example. There is no room for Royal WAGs."

The source continued, "Although they are not yet engaged, it seems more likely than not that Kate will be a Royal bride one day, and the Queen is of the opinion that Kate should be working."

Kate, 26, quit her job as an accessories buyer for High Street chain Jigsaw at the end of last year and announced that she wanted to pursue a career as a photographer.

She spent the past three months working for her parent's mail-order company, Party Pieces, photographing new stock for its website.

"It's not what you would call a nine-to-five job," said a friend of the Middleton's.

"It's an easy number for Kate and basically something to fill her days while she waits for William."

Sources close to Middleton last night said she has no immediate work plans while the 25-year-old prince goes through for his final attachment with the Royal Navy.

William begins a two-month deployment in the Royal Navy on Monday, on board HMS Iron Duke, a frigate that will be on hurricane relief duty and counter-narcotics patrol in the Caribbean.