Royal-watchers say Prince William’s engagement imminent

After eight years of courtship, it looks like Kate Middleton and the prince are ready to seal the deal.

The world of British royalty is dominated by protocol, and so a recent visit by Middleton’s parents to Prince Charles’s private estate is being taken as the equivalent of taking out a skywriting ad to announce Prince William’s engagement to his long-time sweetheart. Observers say the Middletons visit to Birkhall in Scotland would have had to have been approved by the Queen, who is fond of speaking to her subjects through such subtle gestures. No details on any wedding plans have been released yet, but as Britain recently announced massive budget cuts to deal with its crippling debt, it will be interesting to see how the Royal Family explains spending millions on lace and puffy sleeves.