Prince William must reconsider Kensington Palace move

London's police service is reportedly concerned that Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton's privacy may be compromised if they make Kensington Palace their marital home.

The royal couple, who are due to wed on April 29, are considering the stately home for their permanent residence, but the Metropolitan Police Service is said to be worried that the hoards of visitors expected to flock there could cause safety issues for the couple.

A source at Scotland Yard told the Daily Telegraph: "Obviously the private areas and the public areas are separate, but we would have to factor in the proximity of the prince and his wife to such large numbers of people.

"My understanding is that the prince has not yet made a final decision, but we would have to raise this point with him if it is true that he is thinking about making his marital home there."

The grounds and interiors of the palace - which was the home of William's mother the late Princess Diana - are currently being upgraded and annual visitor numbers are expected to increase from 250,000 to 350,000 by next year.

However, Princess Michael of Kent - who is married to King George V's grandson Prince Michael of Kent and currently lives at the palace - thinks the home is so large William and Kate wouldn't have to fret about intrusion.

She said: "It's a big place - it's as big as Harrods, actually.

"We are on a separate corner - we've just got a little corner - so we never see the public."

Once married, Kate will join the prince in North Wales until he completes his RAF training but it has not yet been confirmed where they will then live, although Queen Elizabeth has offered them living quarters in Buckingham Palace.