The press can never resist reporting on the royal family however, and in April 2007, The Sun announced that the Prince and Kate had split up.
As the day progressed, reliable media outlets (such as the BBC, who have traditionally had a better relationship with the royals than the red-tops) confirmed the news. Most supporters of the royals seemed to be upset by the news, as a relationship of nearly three years would have – in earlier times – usually reached an engagement announcement at this point.
In fact, according to some reports, it was just this expectation which had fuelled the break-up. Ever cautious, Clarence House (Williams’ spokespeople) made just one announcement – that they ‘don’t comment on Prince William’s private life’. However, sources close to the couple suggested that William wanted to enjoy a form of ‘bachelor life’ within the army – with one friend reportedly encouraging him to take a ‘careless approach’ to relationships.
It was also reported that Kate was keen for William to demonstrate his commitment to her – ideally with a proposal of marriage.
This difference in opinion about the direction that their relationship was taking is a common story amongst many couples today. One party wants commitment, the other is not willing to offer it. It seemed that during their holiday in the Swiss resort of Zermatt, things had come to a head, and the couple had decided to split up.
The Resort of Zermatt
Who can blame either party for the break-up? Can any of us imagine being heir to the throne, under constant media speculation, training to protect his country (his country!) in the fields of war, with friends leading fun, bachelor lifestyles? Or what if you were in a relationship with a man you loved – a future King – but you read reports of him spending time with other women, and wanted proof of his feelings for you.
One cannot blame either William or Kate for their seemingly different priorities. In these days of 24-hour worldwide news, where both truth and rumours travel at the speed of light, could any relationship positioned in such an intense spotlight ever work? Was William wary of committing too early to please his subjects as (some suggested) his father had done with Diana?