If you had been following the royal family back in 2007, then you would have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of a certain long-awaited engagement, between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
People were so eager for the news, in fact, that they had gotten all worked up and convinced themselves that William was going to pop the question on January 9, 2007—Kate's 25th birthday. Paparazzi were hounding Kate especially hard that day, hoping to capture the first photo of her engagement ring. Royal fans were sure it was happening and just waiting not-so-patiently for the announcement.
Unfortunately, everyone was super, super wrong.
In the 2011 documentary Kate Middleton: Biography, royal expert Katie Nicholl explained that the truth was that Will wasn't even really considering proposing on Kate's birthday, much to everyone's (including Kate's) disappointment.
"What I was hearing from my sources in the inner circle was that actually the relationship was coming unstuck," Nicholl said of this time in Will and Kate's relationship. "Prince William was feeling the pressure from the press and from everyone around him to settle down. He was totally wrapped up in his military career, he wanted to do other things apart from being with Kate all the time."
Not only did Will not propose to Kate on her birthday, he actually called to give her the news of their now-infamous break not long after, apparently.
According to Daily Express royal correspondent Richard Palmer, Will called Kate that spring to tell her he wanted to take a break. "She was devastated, she was really upset about it," Palmer said.
Thankfully, Will and Kate's fairytale worked out in the end.
RELATED STORIES
-
The Doctor Won’t See You NowFor access to the best plastic surgeons and dermatologists, some patients are willing to pay a middle man.
-
32 Inspirational Movies to Watch When You Need a Pick-Me-UpYou may want to keep a tissue box nearby.
-
Princess Charlotte Has Inherited One of Princess Diana's Favorite PassionsTalent runs in the family.
-
Kate Middleton's Family Played a "Pivotal" Role in the Royal Family's Most "Traumatic Year"Princess Kate's parents have reportedly been "very welcomed into the royal fold."
-
Prince William's Beard Has Inspired a New Cosmetic Surgery Trend Dubbed "the Prince William Effect""People are bringing in pictures of Prince William on their phones and saying, 'Make me look like that.'"
-
Donald Trump Reveals "Sad" Private Conversation He Shared With "Handsome" Prince William About Princess Kate and King Charles's Cancer Journeys"We had a great, great talk."
-
Jack Schlossberg Has a Kate Middleton Photo in His Room, and Royal Fans Want Answers"John F. Kennedy's grandson having a picture of William and Kate in his living room wasn't on my bingo card this year."
-
Prince Harry and Prince William Avoid a Joint Appearance With Separate Diana Award TributesThe royal brothers remembered their late mother while supporting the charity's 25th anniversary.
-
Prince William's Subtle PDA at Qatari State Visit Shows He's Always Looking Out For Kate MiddletonThe Prince of Wales made a small but romantic gesture at the event.
-
The Royal Family's Christmas Rules Range From Funny to Outrageous"Don't suggest playing Monopoly, it's banned!"
-
Prince William is in a "Very Difficult" Position This Year as He Plays Roles of "Father, Nurse and Prince of Wales"Royal author Andrew Morton said the prince "is handling it as well as you can do."
