The young prince marked the end of his college romance with a night of heavy drinking. According to an insider, the future Queen of England had a notable reaction during their brief separation.
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s relationship has fascinated the public since their university years. Over time, they have navigated challenges, including a short-lived breakup that stirred media frenzy and remains a widely discussed moment. Yet, their bond endured.
Their story began as a friendship at the University of St Andrews in 2001, which gradually evolved into something deeper. By 2002, Middleton and Prince William, who both lived at St Salvator’s Hall, had grown close. Their romance became public in 2004 when she joined him on a family ski trip to Klosters, Switzerland.
Despite their growing affection, the relationship took an unexpected and very public turn years later. Their split in 2007 was anything but private, with Prince William’s actions in its aftermath making headlines.
Middleton had been patient, waiting for a deeper commitment, but the young royal—then considered one of the world’s most eligible bachelors—felt it was too soon for marriage. Following the breakup, he celebrated his newfound single status with a wild night out at Mahiki nightclub in Mayfair. Surrounded by friends, he reportedly declared, “I’m free!” before launching into a drunken robot dance, encouraging his group to “drink the menu.”
News of his behavior quickly reached Middleton, adding to the heartbreak of their separation. Meanwhile, rumors swirled that Prince William had set his sights on socialite Isabella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe, whom he had known for years. However, she allegedly turned him down, believing a relationship with a prince could hinder her acting career. Few expected him to return to Middleton—or that she would take him back.
The breakup, which followed four years together, caught many by surprise. Tensions reportedly arose when Prince William chose not to spend New Year’s Eve with Middleton’s family in 2006, leading them to reassess their relationship before ultimately deciding to part ways.
Middleton was at work in London when she received the call that ended their relationship. A colleague later recalled seeing her step outside to take the conversation in private, pacing the office parking lot while speaking on her mobile. Though she appeared visibly upset, she maintained composure and later returned to work without showing signs of distress. At the time, those around her assumed it was a simple disagreement, unaware that it marked a significant turning point.
According to royal expert Robert Jobson, the breakup happened shortly before Middleton’s 25th birthday while Prince William was serving in the military. With the British press eagerly anticipating an engagement, the split was all the more shocking.
Jobson described it as a “devastating blow” for Middleton, who was further hurt by the fact that their relationship ended over the phone. Although this wasn’t the first time Prince William had distanced himself, this time, it felt final.
During their time apart, Middleton attended the launch of Simon Sebag Montefiore’s book Young Stalin with her sister, Pippa. At the event, TV presenter Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, a longtime family friend of William, openly discussed the royal in Middleton’s presence. When asked about the breakup, Middleton remained composed, simply responding, “Fine.” Though she blushed at the mention, she stood firm when pressed further, stating, “Really, it’s fine,” signaling she had no interest in elaborating.
According to Jobson, Prince William soon regretted his decision. At the time, both were in their mid-20s, and while they were well-suited for each other, the timing had been off.
Middleton appeared to move on, stepping out with her sister and going on dates, while Prince William, stationed at a military base, began to realize he had made a mistake. Determined to make amends, he sought an opportunity to reconnect with her at a mutual friend’s gathering.
Royal reporter Katie Nicholl detailed in Kate: The Future Queen that despite being the one who initiated the breakup, Prince William had to work to regain Middleton’s trust. She was hesitant, making it clear that she needed time to heal from the heartbreak.
In an effort to win her back, he invited her to a costume party. Middleton arrived dressed as a “sexy” nurse, wearing a short dress and fishnet tights—an image that left Prince William completely smitten. Nicholl recounted that he “followed her around like a lost puppy all night,” making it evident he was eager to reconcile. Though their relationship resumed, it would still be years before they took the next step toward marriage.
In October 2010, during a trip to Kenya, Prince William proposed. Both 28 at the time, they announced their engagement the following month. Looking back, William acknowledged their time apart as a period of personal growth, saying, “We were both very young… we were sort of both finding ourselves.” Middleton admitted it had been a difficult experience but believed it ultimately made her “a stronger person.”
By the time she joined the royal family, Middleton was well aware of what lay ahead. As Jobson noted, she had already endured the highs and lows of dating a prince but was confident in their love.
On April 29, 2011, Middleton and Prince William were married in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey, watched by millions around the world. Now, more than a decade later, they have built a family, raising three children—Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte.
As their 13th wedding anniversary approached in early 2024, rumors about Prince William’s alleged affair with former model Rose Hanbury resurfaced. Speculation had first arisen in 2019 when reports suggested Middleton had distanced herself from Hanbury, who had once been a close friend.
Hanbury, married to David Rocksavage, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, was part of Norfolk’s elite “Turnip Toffs” social circle. Reports claimed Middleton had deliberately “phased out” Hanbury, though the reason remained unclear. While royal sources dismissed any feud, journalist Richard Kay noted that both women had considered legal action but refrained due to lack of evidence.
The rumors gained traction when columnist Giles Coren publicly stated, “Everyone knows about the affair, darling,” before swiftly deleting his comment. The palace quickly stepped in, reportedly threatening legal action, leading the tabloids to drop the story. No concrete evidence ever emerged, and Hanbury and her husband have remained publicly associated with the Waleses. She has denied the rumors outright, calling them “completely false.”
Amid the renewed speculation about her marriage, Middleton was also privately dealing with a health matter.
On January 17, 2024, Kensington Palace announced that she had undergone “planned abdominal surgery” at the London Clinic. Her recovery required an extended period away from public duties, with her return expected after Easter. While acknowledging public interest, the palace emphasized her need for privacy, especially for the well-being of her children. Further updates, they stated, would only be shared if deemed necessary.
As concerns about her health mounted, Prince William addressed the public during the London Air Ambulance Charity Gala in February 2024. He expressed gratitude for the support shown to both his wife and King Charles, noting that recent weeks had taken a “medical” turn. Adding humor, he joked that attending the event provided him with a temporary escape from all the health-related conversations.
Middleton’s health challenges only heightened public interest in her appearances. For the first time in two years, she joined King Charles at Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day Service in March 2025. Both had been undergoing cancer treatments, yet Middleton’s striking presence in a red Catherine Walker coat and matching Gina Foster hat dominated headlines, reaffirming her status within the royal family.
Much like the late Queen Elizabeth, who strategically wore bright colors to ensure visibility, Middleton seems to favor sophisticated, monochromatic outfits that reinforce her position as a key royal figure.
From her early days as a university student navigating a high-profile romance to becoming a poised future queen, Middleton’s journey has been marked by personal trials and relentless public scrutiny. Despite rumors and challenges, she remains steadfast in her royal role, demonstrating grace and commitment to her family and responsibilities.
Her recent Commonwealth Day appearance signaled resilience amid her health battle, offering reassurance to the public. As she continues forward, Middleton remains a defining figure in the modern monarchy, balancing tradition and strength in an ever-changing world.