Prince William, Kate's engagement coin 'unveiled'

London: Just two months after Britain's Prince William and his ladylove Kate Middleton got engaged, an official coin marking the occasion has been unveiled.

The second-in-line to the British throne and his bride-to-be, both 28, are featured on one side of the five -pound collector's piece being produced by the Royal Mint.

But royal fans may've trouble recognising the couple, who are to tie the knot in April next year -- an image that bares some likeness to William is shown in profile but Kate is
face-on and appears older and overweight, 'The Sun' reported.

The coin was designed by the Royal Mint's in-house engraving team and has the Queen in profile on the reverse. The piece is the first royal engagement coin produced by the
Royal Mint and was approved by the Queen and William.

A Royal Mint spokesman said: "The inspiration for the design came from photographs of the couple at a sporting event -- the play on the traditional portrait is that Prince William
is seen in profile, alluding to his royal status."

Advertisement

When asked about Kate's likeness a spokesman stressed that the design "does go through a rigorous approval process".

Many commemorative medals and coins have been created by the Royal Mint in honour of the monarchy during its 1,100-year history. When William's father, Prince Charles, had
married Diana in 1981, the event was marked by a coin showing the couple in profile with the Queen's image on the reverse.

Advertisement

Dave Knight, the Royal Mint's director of commemorative coin, said: "The Royal Mint has been recording historical events for over 1,100 years and we're fortunate to be in a role that allows us to add to that legacy."