The seemingly unshakeable bond between the Prince and Princess of Wales, a cornerstone of the modern monarchy, faced a critical test early in their relationship that nearly brought it to an end. Royal author Katie Nicholl has detailed a pivotal moment in 2006 when Prince William's change of heart left his then-girlfriend, Kate Middleton, devastated and questioning their future.
The New Year's Eve cancellation that sparked a crisis
In 2006, with royal protocol dictating that William spend Christmas at Sandringham with the Queen and Kate with her family in Bucklebury, the couple arranged an alternative celebration. They planned to reunite and see in the New Year together with the Middleton family. However, in a move that would cause significant emotional turmoil, William had a sudden change of heart.
On Boxing Day, he phoned Kate to deliver the news that he would not be joining her after all, choosing instead to remain with the royal family. According to Nicholl's book, The Making of a Royal Romance, this eleventh-hour cancellation left Kate deeply upset and in tears, worried about the direction of their relationship.
Royal counsel and a temporary split
The decision was not made lightly. William reportedly sought counsel from his father, now King Charles III, and his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Both senior royals advised the future monarch not to rush into any serious commitment. This period of doubt culminated in William formally ending his relationship with Kate in 2007, just weeks after the cancelled New Year's plans.
Fortunately, the separation was brief. The couple reconciled after only a few months apart, a testament to the strength of their connection. They became engaged in 2010 and married in a globally televised ceremony at Westminster Abbey in April 2011. Their family has since grown to include three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
A modern partnership built on mutual support
Today, their relationship is characterised by a strong, equal partnership. Prince William recently offered a rare public glimpse into his deep appreciation for his wife during a visit to a youth organisation in North Wales. In conversation with a man who credited his wife for his turnaround, William nodded in understanding and remarked, "This is it. Behind every average man there is an even better wife."
Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond interpreted the comment as a sweet acknowledgment of their dynamic, noting it shows "just how equal their partnership is, and how much William values Catherine's support and advice in everything he does." William has also openly discussed their shared approach to parenting, describing himself as the family's "taxi driver" for school runs and sports matches, while acknowledging that Kate "probably does the bulk of it."
The Princess, who recently turned 43, has now completed her preventative cancer treatment and the family has settled into their new home, Forest Lodge in Windsor. The early trials of their romance have ultimately forged one of the monarchy's most resilient and admired partnerships.
