Kate Middleton confirmed in church

London - Kate Middleton has been confirmed as a member of the Church of England as she prepares to marry Prince William.

St James's Palace acknowledged on Wednesday that Middleton was confirmed by the Right Rev Richard Chartres, the bishop of London, at a private ceremony on March 10.

Chartres, who is dean of the Chapels Royal, also confirmed William in 1997.

As a confirmed member, she is entitled to receive communion in the Church of England.

Confirmation is not necessary to marry a future monarch, who also will be supreme governor of the Church of England. However, the Act of Settlement of 1700 bars Roman Catholics or the spouses of Roman Catholics from the throne.