- Back in October 2010, Prince William finally popped the question and proposed to Kate Middleton after years of dating.
- The engagement should have been a totally happy occasion, but Kate had one big regret about it, according to royal expert and author Katie Nicholl.
- Kate's last living grandparent, her grandfather Peter, passed away just one day before she and Will were planning to share the news with their loved ones and make a public announcement about the engagement.
Prince William famously waited years before finally popping the question and proposing to his longtime love, Kate Middleton. The engagement should have been a totally happy occasion, of course, but apparently Kate had one big regret about the milestone.
In her book Kate: The Future Queen, royal expert and author Katie Nicholl explained why the joyous event was tinged with sadness for Kate.
First, some backstory: Will popped the question at Kenya's Lake Rutundu on October 20, 2010. The couple were overjoyed, of course, but decided that they would wait a couple of weeks before making the public announcement on November 3. During that time, they didn't tell most of their friends and even family members, for fear of the new leaking early. This is where the regret comes in.
During the time between the engagement and the announcement, Kate's last living grandparent, her grandpa Peter, passed away on November 2—just one day before she was planning to share the happy news with him.
"Kate was deeply saddened not to have had the chance to tell her grandfather that she was engaged to William," Nicholl wrote, according to The Mirror. "She knew he would have been delighted for her."
Will attended the funeral with Kate and the couple delayed the announcement as a result, ultimately telling their loved ones the good news on November 16, just hours before the news was made public.
RELATED STORIES
-
Only Three Episodes of 'The Traitors' Season 3 Have Dropped, But the Traitors Are Already Headed for BetrayalThe producers truly chose chaos for this installment of Peacock's reality hit.
-
This $4,900 Bag Is the Hero of Hailey Bieber's Mom StyleA case for the oversized staple.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday PhotoThe Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On""There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
