During that break, it was reportedly a conversation with his father, King Charles III, that helped steer William back on course.

"When I first met Kate, I knew there was something very special about her, and then I knew there was possibly something I wanted to explore there, but we ended up being friends for a while," he said during the couple's 2010 engagement interview on ITV News.

"That was a good sort of foundation. I do genuinely believe now that being friends with [each other] is a massive advantage."

Of their heavily publicized break, Kate added, "I at the time wasn't very happy about it, but actually it made me a stronger person. You find out things about yourself that maybe you hadn't realized — I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you're younger — and I really valued that time for me, as well."

After tying the knot in 2011, William and Kate went on to welcome three children together Prince George in 2013, Princess Charlotte in 2015, and Prince Louis in 2018.

Despite rumors that Prince William had an affair with Rose Hanbury, he celebrated his 12th wedding anniversary with Kate in 2023, which they commemorated on Instagram with a sweet photo of the couple riding bikes.

In March 2024, when Kate announced she had been diagnosed with cancer, she thanked her husband for his support, saying, “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support, and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."