There are a lot of reports around that Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton is having second thoughts over their relationship.

The reason is said to be that Kate fears if she becomes a member of the Royal Family in future, she would not be able to live up to the expectations of some of the more snobbish courtiers.

“She and Wills love each other dearly but Kate has just woken up to what the next few years could have in store. She is suddenly realizing the enormity of what could lie ahead if she walks down the aisle with William. It’s one thing having an on-off relationship with Wills, it’s quite another thing becoming Queen,” says one of Kate’s inner circle.

“They are keeping a discreet distance from each other. By no means are they walking round hand in hand,” continued the source.

Another unnamed friend is quoted as saying, “Kate is concerned that those before her who have married into the Royal Family have come from an aristocratic background and are from old money. She has seen how the Royal Family washed their hands with Diana — and the Princess had a privileged background and came from the right breeding.

“Kate is just from a very normal middle-class family who have done exceptionally well for themselves. They don’t live on a huge estate or have titles before their names.”

Kate’s had five years now to come to terms with what must have occurred to her on their first date, so it seems strange that these thoughts are only just surfacing.

Do all great romances include a period of doubt and second thoughts?