If you had been following the royal family back in 2007, then you would have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of a certain long-awaited engagement, between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
People were so eager for the news, in fact, that they had gotten all worked up and convinced themselves that William was going to pop the question on January 9, 2007—Kate's 25th birthday. Paparazzi were hounding Kate especially hard that day, hoping to capture the first photo of her engagement ring. Royal fans were sure it was happening and just waiting not-so-patiently for the announcement.
Unfortunately, everyone was super, super wrong.
In the 2011 documentary Kate Middleton: Biography, royal expert Katie Nicholl explained that the truth was that Will wasn't even really considering proposing on Kate's birthday, much to everyone's (including Kate's) disappointment.
"What I was hearing from my sources in the inner circle was that actually the relationship was coming unstuck," Nicholl said of this time in Will and Kate's relationship. "Prince William was feeling the pressure from the press and from everyone around him to settle down. He was totally wrapped up in his military career, he wanted to do other things apart from being with Kate all the time."
Not only did Will not propose to Kate on her birthday, he actually called to give her the news of their now-infamous break not long after, apparently.
According to Daily Express royal correspondent Richard Palmer, Will called Kate that spring to tell her he wanted to take a break. "She was devastated, she was really upset about it," Palmer said.
Thankfully, Will and Kate's fairytale worked out in the end.
RELATED STORIES
-
Adria Arjona Smells Irresistibly Delicious Courtesy of This $48 Hair OilPlus the makeup routine that helps her feel "like a rebel."
-
Princess Anne's Unexpected Suggestion About Mike Tindall's Nose"Princess Anne asked me if I'd have the surgery."
-
Queen Elizabeth's "Disapproving" Royal Wedding CommentShe reportedly had lots of nice things to say, too.
-
Lip Reader Reveals the "Disapproving" Comment Queen Elizabeth Allegedly Made During Kate Middleton and Prince William's Wedding
She reportedly had lots of nice things to say, too.
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are "Acutely Aware" of "Problems" Charlotte and Louis Will Face Growing Up Alongside GeorgeA royal expert suggested Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis could look to one duo for inspiration.
-
Princess Diana Lost Her Temper in a Relatable Mom Moment Caught on Camera: "Shush!"The late princess got stern with one of her kids during a resurfaced interview.
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Have Broken Tradition With This "Natural Development" in Terms of Their Public LifeThe Prince and Princess of Wales are moving on from the more "formal" ways of the past.
-
Prince Harry and Prince William Had the Cutest Nickname for Their Beloved Childhood Bodyguard, Who Has Died at Age 77Graham Craker, who walked behind Princess Diana's hearse, has sadly passed away.
-
Prince William Is "Making the Most" of His "Second Chance at Life" With Kate MiddletonThe Prince of Wales is planning some seriously romantic gestures, according to a source.
-
Prince William Has Broken From Tradition to "Be His Own Man" in Pivot From King Charles's Counsel"William wanted to strike out on his own."
-
The Royal Family Has Seen an 11% Rise in Stalkers Over the Past 3 Years With Nearly 500 Targets Identified"The difficult task is identifying those with the means and determination to act."
