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It is hard to believe that almost a year has passed since the eyes of the world watched Kate Middleton walk down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in that stunning Alexander McQueen gown to join her prince charming.

Almost a year on, and clearly still head over heels in love, the couple prepares to celebrate their first year anniversary as husband and wife and also as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

It is well known the first year after the 'I dos' can be one of the hardest, so it is a milestone that definitely needs to be celebrated.

For the royal couple, it is a chance to reminisce about their fairy tale wedding day and to assess how much they have achieved as newlyweds in the space of 12 months.

And what an eventful 12 months it has been. Since their wedding on 29 April, Will and Kate have been busy.

Before even settling down to life as a married couple, they honeymooned in the Seychelles and took tours last summer of Canada and California.

Kate has thrown herself into life as a fully-fledged royal by attending a string on public engagements as well as working on her charitable ventures.

William has recently returned from a six-week deployment in the Falkland Islands as an RAF search and rescue helicopter co-pilot.

So how do the royals plan to spend their anniversary?

A St James's Palace spokesman has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are planning a low-key private affair with friends and family, but there is no doubt that the dashing prince will want to treat his wife to a special anniversary gift.

Although the first wedding anniversary is traditionally known as paper, it would not be surprising if William thinks outside the box and chooses something a little different.

IBTimes UK takes a look at a few anniversary gift ideas that would be suitable for a future queen...