New book reveals Prince William once broke up with Kate Middleton over the phone

The couple had been together for 6 years

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
(Image credit: Photo by Anthony Devlin - Pool/Getty Images)

A new book by a royal historian reveals that Prince William once broke up with his then-girlfriend Kate Middleton via a phone call.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have now been happily married for 9 years.
  • They have been through two separations, one in 2004 and a second brief split in 2007.
  • Now it’s been revealed that Kate Middleton left a meeting at work to answer Prince William's call, only to return single.

This new information comes courtesy of royal historical Robert Lacey’s new book, Battle of Brothers. According to this explosive new release, the Duke of Cambridge was “uncertain” about his relationship with Kate Middleton.

At this time, the couple had been in a relationship for almost six years, yet on 11 April 2007, Kate received an unexpected call whilst at work as an Accessories Buyer at the fashion store, Jigsaw.

Us Weekly reports that Lacey has written of how Kate excused herself from a meeting “to take a call from William in a room out of earshot of the other buyers”. He adds that, “she shut the door for more than an hour. When she came out, she was single.”

Prince William and Kate Middleton

This extraordinary occasion marked the second time the couple had broken up. They had previously parted ways just three years earlier in 2004. And so this second time, Lacey writes, “Ms. Middleton was not going to be seen as defeated” and was seen “enjoying herself on the London party circuit.”

In just ten and a half weeks, the former couple were spotted kissing at a party at his barracks in Bovington, Dorset. Lacey remarks that Prince William “got the message quicker than he or anyone else expected.”

SHOP NOW: Battle of Brothers: William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult by Robert Lacey, Amazon

Lacey also suggests that the prince not only missed his former partner, but the wider Middleton family. “One pillar of William’s year at Sandhurst [military academy] had been his regular Friday night escapes to [the Middletons’ home in] Bucklebury, where he could collapse and be mothered by [Kate’s mum] Carole— and also fathered by the quiet and affectionate Michael,” Lacey writes.

The course of true love never did run smooth and the pair soon put these brief separations behind them. Just three years later on a trip to Kenya, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton. The prince gave his wife-to-be the stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wedding day

The couple went on to marry at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011.

Now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge seem happier than ever, showing that the past doesn't always define the future.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!