Although he's well past his playboy days as "Randy Andy," I hear that the Queen's second son is trying his hardest and has been on a few dates, but so far no candidate has proved nubile enough to get to the next stage on the purple passage towards becoming an HRH.It's not going to be an easy process, given that Andrew does not want Fergie to issue her usual forthright judgment on any girls he's been seen with.

So now, at the age of 52, he's embarking on a hunt for a suitable woman with whom he can share the rest of his life, hopefully one who will smile sweetly as they share royal duties and not yawn when he suggests a night in watching his favourite golf DVDs.

After their string of supper dates, Andrew was forced to issue a denial they were engaged after Monika sted a photograph on Twitter of what appeared to be a diamond engagement ring on top of a £600 restaurant bill.

There is no mention of Prince Andrew but a post on Twitter on February, just days after the alleged birthday date, reads cryptically: ‘Everything Is Possible☺#mylife’ and, separately, a picture of a Valentine’s Day bouquet.

The pair, who are good friends, reportedly reconnected after the Duke of York reached out to her to offer his sympathy following her break-up.

Since then, the magazine claims, they've been spending more time together, romance has blossomed and the Queen's son is "smitten".