It’s no secret that Prince William, 27, and his longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton, 28, have plans to wed. The tabloids have been buzzing about it since they got together seven years ago (except for a brief respite in 2007 when the couple was on the outs). So when are we going to see a ring on her finger, already? The Prince has stated that he wants to finish his military career first, and that time is fast approaching (his stint with the Royal Air Force will conclude at the end of summer, and then he’s committed to three years as a Search and Rescue pilot).

However, news has broken suggesting that Buckingham Palace plans to make the engagement announcement in early June (due to the 3rd and 4th being mysteriously blocked out on the calendar). Further evidence includes photos of Middleton trying on a wedding dress and her mother’s slip that June will be very busy for the family. Skeptics, on the other hand, say if it’s going to happen, it won’t be until August when Prince William has concluded his military duties. The media gadflies have predicted a November wedding, although the only reliable basis for this assumption is the current political schedule. By all accounts, though, a wedding is in the works and Will and Kate are said to prefer a small, intimate ceremony, rather than the lavish “wedding seen round the world” enacted by Charles and Diana.

As of yet, there has be no announcement, but the world will wait breathlessly until the clock strikes midnight to see if Kate Middleton becomes Cinderella.