Prince William tells Kate Middleton to put their romance on hold

London, Feb 24 : Prince William seems to be taking his military training very seriously, for he has told girlfriend Kate Middleton that he wants their romance to take a backseat for a year, while he concentrates on his training.

Sources have revealed that the couple have worked out a secret pact in which Kate, 26, will have little contact with Wills over the next year.

A source close to the couple said that William has hinted he may propose when he becomes a full-time royal in 2009.

"Kate has been playing second fiddle since the start of the year spending very little time with William. It's almost a case of, 'Don't call me, I'll call you,'" News of the World quoted a royal source, as saying.

"At the moment the only chance she gets to see him is at weekends when he returns from RAF training.

"William has told her in no uncertain terms he wants to prioritise his duties and throw himself into the role," the source added.

However, friends of Middleton say she is privately worried that William is trying to cool the relationship.

"Kate is prepared to wait for William-there is no question of that. But she's concerned he's trying to loosen the relationship," a friend said.

"She knows it's a risk but feels she can only accept his 'pact'. Kate loves him and hopes he will finally realise she's the one.

"He wants to excel at his military career but she doesn't want it to be at the expense of their relationship. After all she has put five years hard work into it and taking the pressure that comes with being his girlfriend," the pal added.

William is currently stationed at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire. In June he will join the Royal Navy on a stint, which may take him abroad for up to several weeks. From 2009 he begins intensive training on his constitutional duties including a stint at the Foreign Office.

ANI