There once was a Prince, a graduate of Sandhurst military academy, who was desperately in love with a beautiful young girl called Kate. The couple told the Royal Family of their desire to marry, but fearful of scandal if the relationship collapsed in acrimony, the Prince and his love were advised to embark on a period of separation and contemplation.

If, after two years away from each other's arms, the couple decided they were still very much in love, the Queen would formally give her blessing for Kate to formally enter the world's most famous dynasty.

Sound familiar?

No, this is not Prince William and Kate Middleton but an altogether different generation of royals: the modern day Duke and Duchess of Kent.

Although it could be said there were warning signs — aren't there always when we call upon the wonderful component that is hindsight? — you may have noticed that some of the ongoing newspaper commentary around the separation of William and Kate appears to be leaving the door open for a reconciliation.

This isn't to say that this isn't wishful thinking in the minds of some. After all, let's be honest: Kate Middleton, like Diana before her, sells newspapers and, yes, attracts visitors to websites such as this.

But let's ponder for a moment a 'what if' scenario, one which is being discussed in some circles. After all, such was the amount of increased pressure on Kate at the hands of the less scrupulous elements of the paparazzi that it could be argued the metaphorical boil had to be lanced; the media circus had to come to an end and, with William not feeling he wants to marry right now, the story had to be concluded.