British heir Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton have ended their high profile relationship, according to reports. The pair met while at university together in St Andrews, Scotland in 2001 and were expected to announce their engagement this year.

But the relationship appears to have floundered in recent months as Middleton, 25, has increasingly become the subject of media attention - and the 24-year-old prince has been photographed enjoying nights out with Army friends.

A close friend of the couple tells The Sun newspaper, "As far as Kate is concerned, William simply hasn't been paying her enough attention. She is stuck in London while he is living in an officer's mess in Dorset. Kate feels hugely frustrated that their relationship just seems to be going backwards at a rate of knots. At university they were living together. Now, they are lucky if they see each other once a week. When he does get a night off, it appears to Kate that William would rather spend time drinking with his new-found Army pals."

Middleton meanwhile has had to contend with paparazzi photographers watching the every move of Britain's 'future Queen'.

The friend adds, "Kate suddenly found herself at the center of intense speculation. And, for the first time in their long relationship, she really became the story. Kate was seen as fair game for photographers and there was very little William could do to protect her."

The break-up is thought to be amicable. Middleton is currently being comforted by her family.