SAS trains Kate against kidnapping

London - The SAS is training Kate Middleton, Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge, to protect herself against being kidnapped.

The 29-year-old beauty – who married Prince William in a lavish ceremony at London's Westminster Abbey on April 29 – has been learning from military group, the SAS, about how to drive under pressure, create a relationship with hostage takers and how to respond when attacked.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The palace want to ensure Kate's new status doesn't make her vulnerable to attack.

"She has been well trained in what to do should the unthinkable happen. VIP kidnap protection training teaches how to cope both mentally and physically.

Mental element

"The mental element involves reacting to unusual situations, such as when there was a stranger in the queen's bedroom – and she just started talking to him."

Although the training usually takes several months, it is thought Catherine may be taking a shortened version close to the couple's home in North Wales.

Other royals who have previously taken the course include Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana and Prince Charles.