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Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Prince William and Kate's 'solemn holiday pact' following short but rocky breakup
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Prince William and Princess Kate's romance has now spanned 14 years, enchanting millions since their dreamlike nuptials at Westminster Abbey in the Spring of 2011. However, there was a moment when their tale of love almost didn't see its happy conclusion. The pair, who developed a romantic relationship during their days at the distinguished St. Andrew's University, experienced a temporary split in April 2007 as post-university life pushed them onto separate paths. The always stylish Kate, now an undisputed fashion icon, was immersed in her role at Jigsaw in London, while William dedicated himself to military duties. Amidst mounting speculation about an engagement, the prince grappled with reservations and ended their connection with a heartrending 30-minute telephone call. READ MORE - Queen Camilla's telling Wimbledon remark that laid bare 'royal family drama' READ MORE - Inside King Charles' lesser known 'hidden' home where royals go for romantic breaks Kate was left so heartbroken that she took compassionate leave from her job for a week, while William, on the other hand, was out celebrating his newfound single status, allegedly exclaiming "I'm free!" on a raucous evening at Mayfair's exclusive Mahiki club. These events are chronicled in Robert Jobson's tome Catherine, The Princess of Wales: The Biography, which recounts how Kate, after soothing her wounded spirit, also chose to embrace life fully, seen out and about with sister Pippa, reports the Mirror. While William returned to army living, Kate continued to revel in her independence, her dazzling appearance turning heads and drawing attention from other prospective matches, including shipping magnate Sir Henry Ropner. At the age of 24, William reportedly began to suspect that he might have erred in letting Kate go. In June 2007, at a party hosted by their mutual pal Sam Waley-Cohen, the duo was seen engaged in deep conversation for hours. Seizing the moment, William asked Kate to join him at a risqué-themed party at his Dorset barracks aptly dubbed 'Freakin' Naughty'. This event marked a turning point in their relationship – the rest is well-documented history. However, just like countless other couples who've hit pause on their romance, William and Kate needed time to rekindle and reaffirm their devotion to one another. On the idyllic Seychelles isle of Desroches in August 2007, during a dreamy getaway, they took a significant step and forged a serious agreement. Royal expert Katie Nicholl reveals in her book "The Making of a Royal Romance": "With a population of just 50 and three miles long, the paradise island was the perfect escape." Registering at the five-star hideaway under the pseudonyms Martin and Rosemary Middleton, the young couple filled their holiday with activities like kayaking and snorkelling while also dedicating time to earnest dialogue about their future together. Author Katie explains: "For a young man who has an inherent fear of tomorrow, this was not easy for William, but the tranquil backdrop of the island was as good a place as any to discuss it." The writer continued, stating that "William assured Kate she was the one", and added: "William, who had inherited something of his father's fear of commitment, knew he would lose Kate if he could not give her some form of guarantee." A source close to the couple revealed, "They didn't agree to get married there and then; what they made was a pact,' a member of their inner circle explained." It is said that "William told Kate she was the one, but he was not ready to get married. He promised her his commitment and said he would not let her down, and in turn, she agreed to wait for him." Years later, as they balance their roles as parents and as the Prince and Princess of Wales, it appears that the Royal couple has remained committed to the promise they made to each other.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Prince William and Kate's solemn holiday pact following short but rocky breakup
After reconnecting following a brief split, Prince William knew he couldn't let his then-girlfriend Kate Middleton go again, and the pair made their commitment clear with a heartfelt holiday vow Prince William and Princess Kate have now been married for 14 years, with thousands tuning into their fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey in the Spring of 2011. But their love story very nearly didn't have a happy ending. The former university sweethearts, who fell for each other as students at the prestigious St. Andrew's, briefly parted ways in April 2007, when life as young graduates took them in different directions. Fashionable Kate, now, of course, one of the most influential style icons of modern times, was working in London for clothing brand Jigsaw, while William was throwing himself into army life. With the pressures to get engaged reaching fever pitch, the future heir to the throne began having doubts and broke off the relationship in a heartbreaking 30-minute phone call. Devastated, Kate was allowed to take a week's worth of compassionate leave from work, while William hit the town with pals, reportedly declaring "I'm free!" during a boozy night out at Mayfair's Mahiki nightclub. This is according to Robert Jobson's book Catherine, The Princess of Wales: The Biography, which details how, having nursed her broken heart, the future queen responded by also making sure to have plenty of fun of her own, stepping out on the town accompanied by sister Pippa. By the time William was back in his army barracks, Kate was still out enjoying the single life, with her glam look catching the eye of other eligible bachelors, including shipping heir, Sir Henry Ropner. William, then just 24, reportedly began to realise he could have made a mistake by letting Kate go. In June 2007, they were spotted talking for hours at a party thrown by mutual friend Sam Waley-Cohen. Apparently not wanting to miss his chance again, William invited Kate to a party at his Dorset barracks in Dorset, where the cheeky theme was 'Freakin' Naughty'. The rest, as they say, is history. However, like many couples before and after them who've taken a break, the pair needed time to reconnect and renew their commitment to each other. And while holidaying together on the dreamy Seychelles island of Desroches in August 2007, they made a solemn pact. In her book The Making of a Royal Romance, Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl wrote: "With a population of just 50 and three miles long, the paradise island was the perfect escape." The then twentysomethings, who checked into the five star resort under the names Martin and Rosemary Middleton, spent their days kayaking and snorkelling, but there were also some serious conversations to be had before they could move forward. Get the inside scoop on the monarchy with Mirror Royal WHATSAPP GROUP: Be first to get the biggest royal bombshells and exclusives to your phone by joining our Royal WhatsApp here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. According to author Katie: "For a young man who has an inherent fear of tomorrow, this was not easy for William, but the tranquil backdrop of the island was as good a place as any to discuss it." The writer went on to reveal that "William assured Kate she was the one", adding: "William, who had inherited something of his father's fear of commitment, knew he would lose Kate if he could not give her some form of guarantee. "They didn't agree to get married there and then; what they made was a pact,' a member of their inner circle explained. "William told Kate she was the one, but he was not ready to get married. He promised her his commitment and said he would not let her down, and in turn, she agreed to wait for him." Now, juggling parenthood with the duties of being Prince and Princess of Wales, it would seem that the royal couple have stayed true to the promise they made, all those years ago.
