Kate Middleton's chooses wedding gown designer

Kate Middleton has reportedly chosen British designer Bruce Oldfield to create her wedding dress.

The speculation comes as the 29-year-old future queen's mother Carole and sister Pippa - who is likely to be Kate's bridesmaid when she marries Prince William on April 29 - visited the designer at his store.

The designer warmly welcomed the duo to his Knightsbridge boutique in London after kissing them on both cheeks before showing them a range of gowns displayed on racks during their 90-minute visit.

A royal source told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "It must have been a special appointment because, as a general rule, Mr Oldfield does not do front-of-shop work."

While a senior royal aide added to the Daily Mail newspaper: "Kate has pretty much reached a final decision. But she wants to keep the creator and design to herself as a surprise for her groom on the wedding day, in line with tradition. She's very excited."

Kate has barely been seen out in public since announcing her engagement to William, 28, in December and is thought to have asked her family to help her with wedding preparations and research.

Last month, top designer Ben de Lisi was adamant Bruce - who was one of Princess Diana's favourite designers - had been handed the task, saying: "There are lots of rumours, but I've heard it is Bruce Oldfield."

Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who are self-made millionaires, have decided to follow tradition and will pay for their daughter's wedding dress.