KATE Middleton has pulled out of a charity boat race due to security concerns surrounding media coverage of the event, organisers have confirmed.
Prince William's on-off girlfriend has been in training with an all-female team who will compete against a group of men in the Beauty vs Brawn challenge across the Channel.
The Brotherhood and Sisterhood teams will paddle in dragon boats from Dov
er to Calais across more than 20 miles of open sea through one of the world's busiest shipping lanes in aid of charity later this month. Media interest in the race has intensified following speculation that Miss Middleton has resumed her relationship with the second-in-line to the throne.
The paparazzi were blamed in some quarters for contributing to the couple's break-up in April after four years together. However, Miss Middleton joined Prince William in the Royal box at the Concert for Diana last month, which he organised with Prince Harry.
A spokeswoman for the Sisterhood team said: "Kate Middleton has withdrawn from the race due to security issues surrounding the recent media circus."
Miss Middleton, 25, was persuaded to join the dragon boat race challenge by Alicia Fox-Pitt, a Sisterhood member and a school friend from Marlborough College. She was training to helm the traditional Chinese boat for the race, which involves standing at the back to steer the vessel.
Money raised will go to the Babes in Arms charity, which sponsors research into abnormalities in newborn babies, and the CHASE Ben Hollioake Fund, a children's hospice charity.
Both crews are attempting to break the world record for a dragon boat crossing, which currently stands at seven hours 45 minutes. The women are also due to become the first all- female team to cross the Channel in a dragon boat.
Bookies William Hill said yesterday Ms Middleton's decision to pull out was a sign she had resumed her relationship with Prince William.
The firm has reopened betting on the pair getting engaged, rating an announcement this year at 12/1. However, 2008 is the favoured year - priced at 5/1.
Rupert Adams, a spokesman for William Hill, said: "The fact that Kate has been banned from the cross-Channel rowing race has confirmed to many that her relationship with Prince William is back on."
Miss Middleton made a formal complaint to the Press Complaints Commission in March over alleged press harassment after a photograph of her en route to work was published in the Daily Mirror. The newspaper later apologised.
DRAGON BOAT RACING
DRAGON boat racing, using craft based on traditional Chinese designs, is among Britain's fastest-growing water sports.
The 40ft boats hold a crew of between ten and 16 paddlers, plus a drummer who beats the time, and are steered by a helmsman.
Dragon boat races began more than 2,000 years ago in the valleys of southern China. They were held to awaken the Heavenly Dragon and bring rain.
More than 300 people are expected to take part in a race off South Queensferry on 26 August to raise money for the Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland charity.
