Queen ‘surprised’ by ‘hurried’ announcement from Prince William and Kate Middleton amid leak fears
The Queen reportedly had ‘no idea’ that this huge announcement was coming that day…
The Queen was reportedly “surprised” by a “hurried” announcement from her grandson Prince William and Kate Middleton amid fears about possible leaks.
- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have now been married for over a decade and it seems the news of their engagement came as an exciting “surprise” to the Queen.
- Her Majesty is said to have been “thrilled” but a “little surprised” by her grandson’s call to ask for her consent.
- This royal news comes as Prince George granted special honor after his love of this beloved TV show was revealed.
Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrated their milestone tenth wedding anniversary last year, releasing sweet anniversary photographs in honor of the occasion. The Queen’s grandchild and the now-Duchess of Cambridge tied the knot in Westminster Abbey back in 2011, just five months after announcing their engagement. Though it was actually in October that the future king popped the question whilst on a holiday in Kenya. Returning to the UK afterwards, the couple initially kept the exciting news quiet, though this couldn’t last for long.
As a senior member of the Royal Family and one of the first six people in the royal line of succession, it’s understood that Prince William was legally required to ask for her consent to the marriage. And it seems that the phone call to do this and reveal his romantic proposal to Kate came somewhat out of the blue for his devoted grandmother.
According to The Mirror, royal expert and author Katie Nicholl has claimed in her book, Kate: The Future Queen, that upon getting engaged, the stunning sapphire ring was kept in a safe. The Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring was originally meant for someone else and previously belonged to Princess Diana.
Then on November 16th 2010, a few weeks after returning from holiday, it’s said Prince William and Kate Middleton decided the time was finally right to announce the news of their engagement. In her book, Katie Nicholl suggested that it was during breakfast with Prince Philip when Her Majesty received the life-changing call from her grandson.
The expert also alleged that the Queen was "thrilled to receive William's call, albeit a little surprised at the suddenness of the announcement". And it seems there was a very good reason for this “suddenness” as a source went on to claim in the biography that the now-Duke of Cambridge was worried about the news “leaking”.
"The Queen had no idea that there would be an announcement that morning,” the source stated. “It was rather hurried, because William was apparently worried about it leaking out."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Katie added, "William enjoyed outfoxing the media, and this was one announcement he wanted to make himself. The last thing he wanted was a newspaper getting the scoop, as had happened with his father's engagement to Camilla."
Though the Queen might have been left a little “surprised” by how quickly Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement was announced, she was no doubt delighted at the prospect of welcoming a new granddaughter-in-law to the family.
They are understood to have forged an incredible bond, with Kate confiding in the Queen about her early parenting struggles and making a sweet gesture to the Queen earlier this year. Now having been an official member of the Royal Family for over a decade, Kate is preparing to mark another huge milestone in 2022 as she’ll turn 40 on January 9. It’s not yet known how she might celebrate, but it’s thought the Cambridges will find a special way to mark the occasion.
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!
-
The significant family event Meghan Markle has always missed out on since becoming a royal
The Duchess of Sussex has always missed out on one particular royal occasion over the years despite experiencing so many others
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's chunky gold earrings she wore in 2004 are right on trend 20 years later
The Duchess of Edinburgh has proved that statement gold earrings are a timeless jewellery essential as her pair from 2004 are right on trend
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Catherine, Princess of Wales reveals she's undergoing cancer treatment in poignant new video
The Princess of Wales has shared a touching video message and revealed that she is in the 'early stages' of treatment
By Mariana Cerqueira Published
-
This Longchamp tote lookalike that's just like Kate Middleton and Princess Anne's favourite is a bargain buy that'll serve you all year round
The Princess of Wales and Princess Anne are huge fans of the classic Longchamp Le Pliage and this timeless alternative is so affordable
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 candid photos of Kate Middleton that show her goofy and light-hearted side, from relatable mum moments to hilarious courtside reactions
She is usually the picture of perfection, but even the Princess of Wales has been snapped in a few candid moments that show that she's just one of us...
By Jack Slater Published
-
32 times Kate Middleton nailed the Quiet Luxury look
From cosy cashmere to perfect tailoring, Kate Middleton always gets the Quiet Luxury trend right
By Hannah Holway Published
-
Kate Middleton made subtle change that proves she 'means business', fashion expert says
Catherine made a subtle style change to be 'taken seriously' when she took on a new role, according to a fashion expert
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Duchess Sophie's selfless sacrifice left Queen Elizabeth 'so fond of her' - and Kate's been 'careful' to do the same
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess of Wales have both made the same sacrifice as senior royals and it's reportedly part of their 'success'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
A look back at Prince William and Kate Middleton's best royal tour moments
A royal visit from Prince William and Kate Middleton is always bound to be memorable, and these are some of our favourite moments from the Wales' trips around the world
By Jack Slater Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's awkward mistake as they broke royal protocol at special family gathering
Prince William and Kate's awkward mistake came in 2018 when they broke protocol - but it was apparently for a very relatable reason
By Emma Shacklock Published