William and Kate's 'trial coronation'

He may be second in line to the throne but it appears Prince William's coronation may be closer than anyone expected.

According to a report in New Idea, the Queen is extremely eager for William and his wife, Kate Middleton, to step up to the job, as she knows how popular they are with the public.

RELATED: Will Camilla ever be queen?
RELATED: Why William and Harry say they 'let Diana down'

In fact, it's been claimed that the lavish state dinner to welcome the King and Queen of Spain to Kensington Palace last week was actually a "trial coronation'.

"The Queen said she wanted to make the state banquet a "trial run' for William and Kate's coronation, so every effort was made to make them the stars of the night,” a royal insider told New Idea.

Indeed it was a lavish affair, with the Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall all donning their finest garments on the night.

Kate Middleton was spotted looking nervous at the dinner in a stunning, blush pink, lace Marchesa gown matched with Diana's beloved pearl-encrusted tiara.

It was speculated that the look on Kate's face was down to wearing the tiara, which Diana previous stated tends to give the wearer headaches.

The Queen also dug out her glad rags for the event, donning the aquamarine necklace she was gifted on her own coronation with a matching tiara.

And while Kate and William dodged photographers on the night, it's thought the Queen made sure all eyes were on them.

"Her Majesty realises that William and Kate are the future and she is happy for them to take on major roles bow so that they are ready to take over when required,” the source told New Idea.

Many royal watchers believe that the fact Kate wore Diana's tiara on the night could have been seen as a signal to the Queen that she is ready to take on more responsibility.

The news will no doubt irk Prince Charles, who is currently first in line to take over from his mother, the Queen, whenever she decides to retire.

Author Sally Bedell Smith, author of Charles, Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life, said it's highly unlikely William will get the throne before Charles.

"Charles will be King and Camilla will be Queen,” she said, in an interview with Town & Country.

"They will not skip over to William, who is being groomed to become King probably in his late 40s or early 50s.”

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram