Photographs published Sunday of Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton, clad in khaki on a Scottish hunting trip, have rekindled speculation that the pair will soon announce their engagement.
British Sunday newspapers ran pictures showing Middleton, 25, on a stag hunting expedition at the royal family's Balmoral estate alongside William's father, Prince Charles.
The Sunday Telegraph said it was the first time Middleton had been photographed with Charles, "fueling speculation that she is about to become engaged to Prince William."
The Sunday Times said the pictures suggested that Middleton's "induction into the royal family appears to have stepped up a notch."
Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the trip, saying it was a private activity.
William and Middleton met at St. Andrews University in Scotland and dated for several years, but announced their split in April as speculation swirled that they were about to marry.
Newspapers reported this summer that the pair had rekindled their romance.