Why April 29 has another meaning for Kate Middleton

Prince William and Kate Middleton were today said to be delighted the date has finally been announced for their big day, writes Tracey O'Sullivan.

And no doubt one half of this Royal couple will be particularly pleased they have confirmed April 29 for the nuptials of the century so far.

While patience is a virtue, this bride-to-be has had to be more than a little tolerant to land her Prince Charming. She graciously accepted Princess Diana's ring to officially mark her engagement , no doubt aware that it would divide opinion and was more about the late Princess than it was about her finally announcing such happy news.

She has also waited for eight years for Prince William to realise what she knew all along - that they were perfect for each other.

The timing of both the engagement and the announcement was on his say-so, with reports the Prince only told aides two hours before.

If given her choice, odds are that Kate would have said a resounding yes years ago but bided her time for the commitment-shy William to come round to her way of thinking.

But with the decision to hold the wedding on St Catherine's Day, the former Waity Katie has definitely re-established this date as being all about the bride. She is to be known as Catherine for any official title she will be given following the wedding.

The announcement today is not just a date but a statement of intent from a woman who has played the situation perfectly so far. She appears to have been the yes-girl to the wills and wants of the Royal family and, possibly, in particular her bridegroom-to-be.

The gesture of using his mother's ring most definitely meant more to the Prince then it can possibly ever mean to Kate.

But with this date and its significance she has sent a message that now she has secured that ring on her finger she will be heard.

And so she should be. A wedding day is traditionally all about the bride and so much of Kate's life from now on will have to be controlled to an extreme degree it's only fair that perhaps this day of all days she should be like any other bride and completely the centre of attention.