Cressida Bonas spending time at the Queen's Sandringham estate is dubbed as a "bridal rite of passage" for the 24-year-old. Bonas, who has been dating Prince Harry for a year and a half, spent her weekend at Sandringham with the prince and some close friends. Sources say, the weekender was more than just a way for Harry to unwind from his military duties but for Cressida Bonas to be given the approval of the Queen.

Rumours have been rife in September and October that Cressida Bonas and Prince Harry will be getting married in 2014.

A source told The Sun that spending the weekend at Sandringham "is almost a rite of passage for any future royal bride." The print edition of the British newspaper also wrote what the insider said about Cressida Bonas's cementing her place in Prince Harry's life. The source said, "Harry is smitten and treats her like a princess" adding, "Cressie has been given the royal seal of approval."

It was noted by an observer that while Cressida Bonas, Prince Harry, and their friends were at Sandringham last weekend, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen were not present in the estate.

Cressida Bonas and Kate Middleton Friction: Is it Over?

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge reportedly invited Cressida Bonas to the christening of the three-month-old Prince George but Prince Harry and Cressida reportedly decided that going to the event together will attract the press. The two wanted all the attention to Prince George, sources say.

It's been rumoured that Kate Middleton is not very fond of Cressida Bonas because of her half-sister Ms Calthorpe. Calthorpe was reportedly pursued by Kate Middleton's husband during their brief split in the year 2007. But sources say the royal family is preparing Bonas for royal life.

Marriage 'Not on the Cards - Yet'

A well-placed source told the British press that while Harry, 29, and Cressida are "very fond of each other," they are "taking things one step at a time."

There is no confirmation from Kensington Palace on whether the rumours about the engagement are true. They are also mum about Cressida Bonas's visit to Sandringham being a "bridal rite of passage."