Kate Middleton gets armed police minder

London, Nov 20 (ANI): Prince William's bride-to-be Kate Middleton seems to be quickly becoming used to the trappings of her new royal status.

Armed police have erected a ring of steel around Kate Middleton's family home and put in a team of bodyguards, including two male and two female protection officers.

Back-up officers also carrying guns followed in an unmarked Land Rover, part of the crack Scotland Yard team assigned to protect her, reports the Daily Express.

As precise details of the biggest royal wedding for 30 years, expected to take place at Westminster Abbey next summer, were being finalised last night, Prince William's bride-to-be ventured out of the house in Bucklebury, Berks, to visit friends, with her new entourage in tow.

The team shadowing Middleton included two experienced women bodyguards who used to protect Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Uniformed firearms officers brandishing semi-automatic machine guns have been patrolling the grounds of the Middletons' five-bedroom home in the village of Bucklebury, near Newbury.

A Scotland Yard source said: "It was thought very important to have two female members of the team who will get on well with Kate. They have been specially chosen for their experience and the fact that they are easy to get on with." (ANI)