The Queen wants Prince William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, to get a proper full-time job before the young couple consider getting married.
There is renewed speculation that the couple, who recently enjoyed a romantic holiday in the Caribbean, are about to announce an engagement.
But Britain's Mail on Sundaynewspaper said the Queen thought this would be premature and ill-advised.
Sources close to the Queen said she was concerned that William's public image could suffer if the public did not consider Middleton, 26, to be a working professional in her own right.
"The Queen is very aware that it's a serious and long-term relationship," a senior aide told the Mail.
"Although they are not yet engaged, it seems more likely than not that Kate will be a royal bride one day, and the Queen is of the opinion that Kate should be working."
She quit her job as an accessories buyer for the Jigsaw chain, saying she wanted to pursue a career as a photographer.
For the past three months, she has been working for her parents' mail-order company, Party Pieces, photographing new stock for its website.
"It's not what you would call a nine-to-five job," said a family friend.
Sources close to Kate said last night that she had no immediate work plans while the 25-year-old Prince goes through his final attachment with the Royal Navy.
