Prince William ‘confided’ in these senior royals before Kate Middleton split

Prince William reportedly had ‘second thoughts’ about his future with Kate Middleton

Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing black as a mark of respect following the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing, visit 282 East Ham Squadron, Air Training Corps in East London on April 21, 2021 in London, England
(Image credit: Photo by Ian Vogler-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton briefly split in 2007 and it’s said that he turned to two senior royals ahead of this when he began having “second thoughts”. 


Prince William supposedly confided in two senior members of the Royal Family about having “second thoughts” about his future with Kate Middleton. William and Kate almost never met, however they both went on to attend the University of St Andrews, after a last-minute decision saw Kate change her mind about going to Edinburgh University. Their relationship first became known to the public in 2004 and it went from strength to strength —until 2007 when the couple briefly split up.

Although William and Kate reunited within months, it seems that he hadn’t been sure about their future at that point. And William didn't make the choice without first airing his thoughts, as he is said to have turned to the two most senior royals to express his anxieties. 

Royal expert and author Katie Nicholl has now revealed that the Christmas prior to their break-up, William sat down with the Queen and Prince Charles to talk things over. 

“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”, Katie claimed.

Following this, William later went on to split with Kate. Although the Duchess of Cambridge has previously revealed she “wasn’t very happy about it” at the time, she also explained that it made her a “stronger person”.

William added that they were both finding themselves, stating, “It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up, so it was just a bit of space and it worked out for the better."

It certainly did, as they reunited just months afterwards. However, sources have claimed that the Queen in particular was left “disappointed” by her grandson’s initial decision to split. 

She and Prince Philip were married for 73 years before the Duke of Edinburgh peacefully passed away at Windsor Castle on 9th April. Having been happily married for so long, the royal couple were watching Kate “carefully”.

She seems to have won their approval. According to The Mirror, Prince Philip turned to the Queen at Prince William and Kate’s wedding in April 2011 and remarked, “Thank goodness he didn't give her up."

This week Prince William and Kate have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. Not only is this a huge personal occasion, but a significant royal one as it marks the day when Kate officially joined the Royal Family. It’s said that the Queen is likely planning a special surprise to mark this milestone.

Having returned to Kensington Palace after spending time in Norfolk during lockdown, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will no doubt be celebrating together at home.

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!