While the Prince and Princess of Wales have enjoyed a fairytale romance, it has not always been plain sailing. For a moment, the world even wondered if the relationship was over.
During their university days, the duo split up for a brief period. Had they not reconciled, today's royal history could have looked vastly different. Like any young couple, their breakup was challenging, and they dealt with it in very different ways – while William went out drinking, Kate put on a brave face.
Thankfully, the pair reunited, giving royal fans the happy ending they hoped for. In 2026, the couple marked their 15th wedding anniversary, following their memorable ceremony at Westminster Abbey back in 2011.
So here is a closer look at what happened between them...
The break-up
© Getty ImagesDuring their brief time apart, Kate, alongside sister Pippa Middleton, attended the launch of historian Simon Sebag Montefiore's book, Young Stalin. At the 2007 event, the future royal ended up chatting to the Mail's Richard Franklin and the late Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.
Tara was close friends with both William and his brother, Prince Harry, having known the pair since their childhood. During the event, she asked Kate how she was feeling following the split, with Kate replying: "Fine."
Tara attempted to push further, leading to a curt response of: "Really, it's fine." Following this moment, the conversation reportedly turned to happier affairs.
How did they deal with the split?
© Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate reportedly dealt with their brief split in different ways. Royal biographer Robert Jobson wrote: "[William] celebrated their break-up with an alcohol-fuelled night at the Mahiki nightclub in Mayfair with his close pals. 'I'm free!' he shouted as he slipped into a drunken version of the robot dance.
"He then told his friends that they should all 'drink the menu', which they more or less ended up doing."
Meanwhile, Kate focused on her family with the group heading on holidays together in the aftermath. "Carole Middleton acted swiftly, taking her heartbroken daughter for a break in Dublin - a welcome respite from media scrutiny," he wrote.
It was Kate who ended up enjoying more of a social life, however, with William spending most of their breakup "holed up in his barracks".
Happy ever after
© GettyThe couple went on to reconcile at Sam Waley-Cohen's fancy dress party, which he named 'Freakin Naughty', in June. A month later, they publicly confirmed their relationship had been rekindled when Kate attended the Concert for Diana.
© GettyWilliam and Kate have gone from strength to strength since their reconciliation, with the pair marrying in April 2011. Kate looked stunning in a lace Alexander McQueen wedding dress, which left her partner giving her gushing compliments at the altar. Lip readers reported he said: "You look lovely. You look beautiful."
