Kate Middleton’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – along with husband Prince William – always pull out all the stops to ensure she has the best time on her birthday.
She’s had some lovely celebrations over the years, from nights out clubbing with her sister, Pippa, to family get togethers with the Middletons. But her 27th birthday was one that probably doesn’t bring back the best memories, as she was forced to say an emotional goodbye to Wills after he made a decision that left her “crushed”. The couple had already been together for years, after meeting at St Andrew’s when they were 19, however Kate’s dream of a royal engagement still hadn’t happened.
And in September 2008, when there were several rumours that the Duke was ready to pop the question, it was officially announced that he was to join the RAF – a decision that came as a surprise to his family and his girlfriend. Having just completed assignments with each section of the Armed Forces, William had two choices – to return to the Household Cavalry or quit the forces and begin his royal duties. For William, the RAF career path would allow him extra time and freedom before starting his royal journey full time, giving him an independent life that his grandmother and father were denied.
But for Kate, it was a step backwards as everyone was expecting for her to marry the prince and start her royal life. In her book, Kate: The Future Queen, royal expert Katie Nicholl writes: “With that single decision, Kate’s life was turned upside down. She had expected a proposal once William had completed his military training, but instead, she was forced to accept that there would be no engagement any time soon. Kate would have to wait even longer.”
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