Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship has had its ups and downs over the years, including a brief split in 2007, before they made a pact on a paradise island.
The couple’s love story nearly did not have a happy ending(Image: Daily Mirror)
Prince William and Princess Kate have now been married for 13 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. Andrews, briefly parted ways in April 2007, when life as young graduates took them in different directions.
Kate, now 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.
READ MORE: Donald Trump dementia fears spike after psychologist expands on ‘telltale sign’READ MORE: Lip reader reveals Trump’s three-word question to Melania that hints at state of their marriage
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 but William vowing Kate “is the one”.
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, reports the Mirror.
By the time William was back in his army barracks, Kate was still out enjoying the single life, catching the eye of other eligible bachelors, including shipping heir, Sir Henry Ropner.
William, then 24, reportedly started to think he might have erred in letting Kate slip away.
In June 2007, they were seen deeply engaged in conversation for hours at a bash hosted by their mutual pal Sam Waley-Cohen.
Eager not to let another opportunity pass, William asked Kate to join him at a risqué-themed party at his Dorset barracks titled ‘Freakin’ Naughty’.
This event marked the turning point in their relationship.
Like numerous couples who’ve taken time apart, they needed a moment to rebuild and reaffirm their bond. It was during a getaway on the idyllic Seychelles island of Desroches in August 2007 that they made a serious commitment to each other.
“With a population of just 50 and three miles long, the paradise island was the perfect escape,” royal correspondent Katie Nicholl detailed in her book ‘The Making of a Royal Romance.’
The young couple, who discreetly checked into the luxurious resort under the pseudonyms Martin and Rosemary Middleton, filled their days with kayaking and snorkeling, but also had weighty discussions about their future.
“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,” Nicholl wrote.
The author further disclosed 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, balancing parenthood with their Royal duties as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it appears that the Royal couple have remained true to the promise they made all those years ago.