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Prince William, girlfriend reportedly rekindle romance

On-and-off flames Prince William and Kate Middleton have resumed their courtship and are "closer than ever" after having ended their romance 12 weeks ago, British media reports say.

In a story published Friday, The Sun newspaper quoted an anonymous royal source as saying the prince, 25, was able to persuade Middleton, also 25, that "the problems of dating a future king are a price worth paying."

While the prince's office at Clarence House declined to comment on the apparent reconciliation, The Sun said the pair is expected to appear together — as a couple — at an upcoming polo match and then a wedding for the Middleton family.

Speculation that William, second in line to the throne, had rekindled the romance with Middleton began Sunday, when she was a guest at a memorial concert for William's mother, Princess Diana. However, they appeared to keep their distance at Wembley Stadium, sitting apart.

The prince broke up with Middleton in April amidst rumours of a looming royal engagement. Newspapers had speculated that the cause of the split-up was due to the strain that intense media interest had put on the relationship, as well as William's reluctance to abandon his bachelorhood.

The paparazzi's pursuit of Middleton during the courtship drew comparisons to the way international media had chased Diana. Middleton had complained to police about being harassed and followed by photographers while driving in London.