Los Angeles, Nov 11 (IANS) British royal Prince William is reportedly set to tie the knot with his girlfriend Kate Middleton next year.

‘The engagement will be announced in 2011,’ usmagazine.com quoted a source as saying.

Katie Nicholl, author of the book ‘William and Harry: Behind the Palace Walls’, claims the couple made a secret pact to marry three years ago while on vacation in the Seychelles.

‘Kate wanted assurances from William. William told Kate she was the one, but he was not ready to get married. She…agreed to wait for him,’ Nicholl said.

Another insider added: ‘He wants to spend the rest of his life with her.’

A representative from the palace said it does not comment on the private lives of the couple.