- Back in October 2010, Prince William finally popped the question (opens in new tab) and proposed to Kate Middleton after years of dating.
- The engagement should have been a totally happy occasion, but Kate had one big regret about it, according to royal expert and author Katie Nicholl (opens in new tab).
- Kate's last living grandparent, her grandfather Peter, passed away just one day before she and Will were planning to share the news with their loved ones and make a public announcement about the engagement.
Prince William famously waited years (opens in new tab) before finally popping the question and proposing to his longtime love, Kate Middleton (opens in new tab). The engagement should have been a totally happy occasion, of course, but apparently Kate had one big regret about the milestone.
In her book Kate: The Future Queen (opens in new tab), royal expert and author Katie Nicholl explained why the joyous event was tinged with sadness for Kate.
First, some backstory: Will popped the question (opens in new tab) at Kenya's Lake Rutundu on October 20, 2010. The couple were overjoyed, of course, but decided that they would wait a couple of weeks before making the public announcement on November 3. During that time, they didn't tell most of their friends and even family members, for fear of the new leaking early. This is where the regret comes in.
During the time between the engagement and the announcement, Kate's last (opens in new tab) living grandparent, her grandpa Peter, passed away on November 2—just one day before she was planning to share the happy news with him.
"Kate was deeply saddened not to have had the chance to tell her grandfather that she was engaged to William," Nicholl wrote, according to The Mirror (opens in new tab). "She knew he would have been delighted for her."
Will attended the funeral with Kate and the couple delayed the announcement as a result, ultimately telling their loved ones the good news on November 16, just hours before the news was made public.
RELATED STORIES
Harry Was Homesick for a While, But Is Happy Now (opens in new tab)
An Attack Dog Once Mistook Will for an Intruder (opens in new tab)
-
The Agenda: Los AngelesHow to prepare for a visit to the City of Angels.
-
Our Editor's Favorite Curl-Defining Leave-In Conditioner Doubles As a Moisturizer for Skin
Stay hydrated, stay happy.
-
Lucy Liu Opened Up About Her Decision to Have a Child Via Surrogate in Her Late 40s: "I Didn't Have a Plan"
It felt like the right time for her.
-
Princess Eugenie Is Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Example With Her Official Announcements, Historian Says
They're in a similar-ish position.
-
The Status of Prince Harry and Meghan's Coronation Invitation Is a Real "Mess," Royal Commentator Says
Yep, none of this is easy.
-
Meghan Markle Made $80K Per Year With The Tig, But Could Make Much More With a Relaunch: Branding Expert
It could be a smart business move for the duchess.
-
Princess Kate "Asserted Her Authority" Over Prince William During St. Patrick's Day Appearance, Body Language Expert Says
He laid low to let her shine.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Could Be "Snubbed" on the Met Gala Invite List
I'm not sure they would go anyway, TBH.
-
Kardashian Hairstylist Chris Appleton and 'White Lotus' Star Lukas Gage Are Dating and "Very Much in Love"
Here's to love!!!
-
A Photographer Started a Snowball Fight Between Prince William and Princess Kate Once, Apparently
LOLS, bold.
-
Meghan Markle Gives Prince Harry "A Love That He's Never Had Before," Sarah Ferguson Says
That's both lovely and so sad.
