William and Kate dated for nearly a decade before their engagement, but there was a pivotal moment in their relationship that convinced royal experts she would one day be his wife.
In just two weeks, the Prince and Princess of Wales will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary.
From the very beginning of their romance, engagement rumors surrounded the couple. However, William resisted the pressure and waited seven years before finally proposing.
While the public awaited their fairytale wedding, one key event made it clear to royal experts that Kate was destined to be William's wife.
In 2006, Kate and her parents were invited to attend William's graduation at Sandhurst. Journalist Rebecca English recalls that the cold December day in 2006 was when she realized Kate was going to be the future Queen.
"We hadn't expected Kate and her family to attend, and several photographers and journalists, including myself, were standing on a press stand together," English revealed on Channel 5's documentary *William & Kate: Too Good To Be True*.
"Suddenly, out of the corner of our eyes, we saw Kate and her parents being ushered to the front of the seating area. I remember turning to the person next to me and saying, 'That's it, it's a done deal. This woman is going to be our future Queen.'"
Royal expert Victoria Arbiter added, "At that moment, the engagement whispers began. There was intense pressure on William and Kate, and short of printing the tea towels, everyone expected the two to walk down the aisle imminently."
William and Kate first made their relationship public at their university graduation, shortly before William joined the Armed Forces.
Richard Kay, editor-at-large at the Daily Mail, commented on the documentary, saying, "There were lots of pictures of Kate and William. There was huge interest in this very bubbly brunette from Berkshire. It was really a warning of what was to come."
Royal expert Victoria Arbiter added, "Graduation for William and Kate was truly their last moment in that protective bubble. They might have been a bit naive about what was to come. William understood how the media works, but Kate would have had no idea what it meant to be on the receiving end."
William famously proposed to Kate in 2010 during a trip to Kenya. After traveling around the country together, they stayed at a lodge on Lake Rutundu. It was there that William decided it was the perfect moment to ask the long-awaited question.
According to royal author Katie Nicholl, the couple spent the day trying—and failing—to catch rainbow trout before returning to the log cabin where they were staying.
Nicholl explained that William led Kate onto the veranda, got down on one knee, and officially proposed. Of course, Kate said yes. The next morning, before they left, she left a sweet note in the lodge's guest book, documenting their romantic stay.
She wrote, "Thank you for such a wonderful 24 hours! Sadly, no fish to be found, but we had fun trying. I love the warm fires and candlelights—so romantic.
Hope to be back soon, Catherine Middleton." William added, "20th-21st October 2010. Such fun to be back! Brought more clothes this time! Looked after so well. Thank you guys! Look forward to next time, soon I hope."
Post a Comment