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?

Finding out the truth about something as complicated and personal as a relationship can sometimes be all but impossible.

Most folk are naturally shy about giving away too much and only let out the bits that reflect well on themselves. This is understandably the case when an heir to the British Throne is involved.

The Prince William / Kate Middleton five-year relationship is once again on the rocks, at least according to some commentators :

The story of the romance between Prince William and Kate Middleton has more ups and downs than the Himalayas — all 1500 miles of them.

For those of us trying to piece together the reality of the current situation from clues let slip, or journalists’ interpretations of what they know, it’s probably impossible to tell. I doubt that either of the parties knows precisely the way it’s going at any one time either.

Read the rest on Royal watcher website, Royal Anecdotes.

Looking for a romantic getaway but not the expense of a cruise to the sunny caribbean? Why not try a romantic winter vacation instead? With the glistening backdrop of white-topped mountains or snow-laced trees, you and your loved one can cozy up to a fireplace after a day of skiing or just exploring nature’s beauty and bask in the romantic warmth of one of these cold-weather getaways.

So you missed the fiery fall foliage? Vermont is breathtaking in winter too. Whether you fancy a day of snowboarding, skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling or whether your tastes run more to a romantic sleigh ride, Vermont has it all for you. Visit Vermont Outdoor Guide Association for tips on where to find outdoor recreation or this site for a guide to the best Bed & Breakfasts.

Another great spot in New England is New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Book a luxurious room for two with Jacuzzi and hang out the “Do Not Disturb” sign.

If you’re heading west, there’s no more famous winter resort than Sun Valley. Check out this guide for the latest news and recreational activities available in this resort that was the favorite of such notables as Ernest Hemingway, Gary Cooper and Clark Gable.

Whatever your destination, remember to book time to relax together and take in the spectacular scenery of these winter wonderlands.

Rudolph Valentino is famous as the first male sex symbol of the silent movie era. He was almost invariably cast as the romantic lead in films set in exotic locations and, as a result, became the archetypical object of female desire, both in his lifetime and beyond. Yet the reality was somewhat different.

He was involved in several unhappy affairs and marriages and seemed fated never to find true happiness before his death at the age of 31. It was only later that rumors began to circulate about a mysterious lover who still mourned his passing.

It seems that there was a woman dressed in black who would appear at his graveside on every anniversary of his death; she would lay flowers on the grave and then disappear. Theories abounded as to her identity; she was Pola Negri, the Polish actress who was his last love - or perhaps Ditra Flamé, with whose family Valentino had boarded soon after his first arrival in the States.

The truth turned out to be less dramatic but more revealing of Valentino’s character. Many years after these rumors began, the mysterious woman revealed that she had been extremely ill as a little girl and Valentino had visited her. He told her that she would recover and live longer than himself. In gratitude, she had decided to keep his memory alive with her annual visits to his grave.

Rudolph Valentino made some unfortunate choices when choosing partners but, for one little girl, he was a benefactor and deserving of a lifetime’s devotion.