Kate Middleton: Is that a yes?

London, Nov. 26 (AFP): Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton has been given an unprecedented invite to spend Christmas Day with the royal family, the Mail on Sunday newspaper reported.

If the 24-year-old says yes, it will be a significant sign of her growing acceptance in royal circles and a very clear acknowledgement of her part in the life of William, second in line to the throne.

Last year she was only invited to spend the following day, Boxing Day, with the royals. It would be the first time that an unmarried partner had been invited to spend Christmas day at Sandringham, Queen Elizabeth II’s private estate in eastern England where the royal family spend their winter break.

Middleton now has to decide whether to spend December 25 with her family or William and the queen, the Mail on Sunday said.

A source close to Middleton told the tabloid: “Kate has been invited to Sandringham for Christmas lunch, but she has yet to accept. It is incredibly prestigious, so she is unlikely to turn down such an important invitation.”