A few months later – in June 2007, some sources close to the couple suggested that they were an item again. In fact, an announcement of a reconciliation was never made – but then, of course, neither was confirmation they were together in the first place, no was there any comment about the split!
Whether the timing of the reports was accurate or not, it is clear now that a reconciliation did happen at some point, and it is sensible to assume that it happened at this time.
From this time onwards, Kate appeared to be gradually ‘reintroduced’ to the public, although steps seemed to be taken not to fuel rumours too wildly.
At the Concert for Diana (at Wembley Stadium) for instance, Kate did attend – however she sat two rows away from the Prince. William commented that they were ‘just good friends’, yet it is hard to imagine that two ‘good friends’ who had been in a relationship for a number of years would still be on such amicable terms if getting back together was not on the cards!
Other events at which Kate was spotted included joining William and his father Prince Charles at a Deerstalking expedition at Balmoral – where their initial relationship had flourished. Kate even attended the wedding of Prince William’s cousin – Peter Phillips – despite the fact that William himself couldn’t be there!
In April 2008, it truly seemed that the relationship was back on track, with Kate accompanying William to the award of his RAF Wings at Cranwell, and a few months later attending the Prince’s investiture into the Order of the Garter – a hugely significant ceremony during which an order of Knighthood and the absolute highest pinnacle of the British honours system was bestowed on William.
The public’s love for William increased even further around this time, as it was announced that he had performed active service in war-torn Afghanistan, helping to man a large military transport aircraft, and even help bring back to the UK the body of a fallen soldier (known as ‘repatriation’).
For an heir to the throne to take part in active service must surely have been a very difficult thing for his army superiors to manage, yet William’s commitment to not being treated differently to his fellow recruits must be commended. Obviously, certain protocols were followed – for instance his crew members were required to refer to him as ‘Billy the Fish’!
Soldiers in Afghanistan
As with many young people, Kate appeared to decide that a ‘normal’ career was not for her. Reports suggested that she was planning to give up her job as a buyer, and wanted to train as a photographer.
Interestingly – again linking to William’s mother Diana – Kate was reported to have intended to take classes with world-renowned photographer Mario Testino, someone who had taken a number of well-known photographs of the Princess.