Wills back at work after love split

The second-in-line to the throne resumed his duties at Camp Bovington in Dorset as speculation over the royal break-up continued.

William's life in the forces was blamed for placing strain on the four-year relationship which many believed would end in a fairytale marriage.

The couple decided to part during tearful heart-to-heart talks in the Alps, according to reports. The pair realised "it was over" during a ski break in the resort of Zermatt, Switzerland, last month, The Sun said.

A friend quoted in the newspaper said they reached a "mature decision" with "no angry words".

"They were a normal couple who wanted different things. It is sad for them, but then it is sad for any young couple who break up after a number of years," they said.

There were also claims that the future king was "dallying" with at least two society beauties as Miss Middleton battled to save their romance.

He has been involved in a serious "flirtation" with a well-connected young woman for four months, the Daily Mail reported. At the same time, the newspaper alleged, William has been seen kissing and cuddling with an attractive blonde woman in a London nightclub.

But he has managed to keep both women's identities secret and neither is among the string of names to be publicly linked with the Prince in recent months, according to the report.

The paper said William began effectively acting as a single man after Miss Middleton revealed her "devastation" that an expected announcement of their engagement never came in February.