Princess Kate ‘left in tears’ after Prince William ‘changed New Year plans’ at last minute
It happened during the early stages of their relationship
For most couples, navigating holiday plans can be challenging, and it was no different for Prince William and Princess Kate during the early days of their relationship.
In 2006, after several years of dating, Kate Middleton reportedly had high hopes for New Year celebrations with her then-boyfriend.
However, she was left heartbroken when William apparently cancelled last minute.
Prince William left Princess Kate ‘in tears’ during early stages of relationship
In 2006, Prince William and Kate had been dating for several years. Sadly, royal traditions kept them apart for Christmas.
As Kate was not yet married to William, she was unable to join him at Sandringham with the royal family.
Instead, the couple made plans to celebrate New Year together with Kate’s family.
However, according to royal author Katie Nicholl in her 2011 book The Making of a Royal Romance, those plans fell through at the last minute, leaving Kate heartbroken.
Katie revealed that William had promised to join the Middletons for New Year. However, he changed his mind after a Boxing Day discussion with his father, King Charles III, and his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
“William had been having second thoughts and sat down with his father and his grandmother to have a frank discussion about his future with Kate. Both advised him not to hurry into anything,” Nicholl wrote.
Prince and Princess of Wales now
The sudden change of plans reportedly left Kate in tears. The abrupt decision to stay with his family instead of hers caused tension and led Kate to question the stability of their relationship.
Just weeks later, in early 2007, the couple briefly split.
Sources later revealed that the late queen felt disappointed by the break-up, as she had grown fond of Kate and believed she was a good match for William.
Despite the setback, their separation was short-lived. Not long after the split, William and Kate were seen at an army party in Bovington, Dorset.
By the summer of 2007, their rekindled romance was back in the spotlight.
Soon after, Kate moved into William’s Clarence House residence. The couple’s relationship continued to blossom, and in November 2010, they announced their engagement. They married in April 2011 at Westminster Abbey.
Now, over a decade later, William and Kate have become one of the most beloved royal couples.
They share three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, – and have created a close-knit family unit.
Princess Kate celebrates 43rd birthday in January 2025
Meanwhile, Princess Kate will soon celebrate her 43rd birthday. After a tough year marked by her cancer battle, Kate could spend her birthday at home with her husband and children.
Royal expert Jennie Bond opened up to OK! about what the celebration might look like.
“For her husband and children, this will be an excuse to spoil her rotten. Even though it falls on a school day, I’m sure that’s exactly what they’ll do,” she said.
“I imagine they will shower her with gifts. Perhaps a collection of pampering products like luxurious bath oils and fabulously scented candles. Maybe William will buy her some silk pyjamas or cashmere jumpers – things that are soft on skin that has been bruised by surgery and treatment.”
“He’s probably got a little bit of romance in him somewhere, and even though he says he’s not a very good cook, Catherine did tell Mary Berry that he’s quite good at breakfasts so maybe a tray complete with a rose will arrive early for her,” Jennie added.
Read more: Princess Kate’s ‘moment of concern’ during Christmas Day walkabout as Prince William supports her
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