Princess Kate’s Natal day heartbreak after Prince William made ‘crushing’ decision

Princess Kate loves spending her birthdays with her nearest and dearest which for many years means children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and young scamp Prince Louis – not to mention hubby Prince William.

Years gone by had been marked with glittering nights out with sister Pippa, or cosy shindigs with the Middletons
However, Kate’s 27th roll around the sun might not spark the warmest of memories – as she had a tear-jerking send-off with Wills that year, after he made a choice that reportedly “crushed” her.

Despite being an item since their St Andrew’s Uni days when they were just 19, Kate was still waiting for that question to be popped.

Come September 2008, despite buzzing rumours hinting that Wills was on the verge of getting down on one knee, it was announced that he’d signed up with the RAF – news that reportedly came out of the blue for both his family and Kate.

Having done a stint with each branch of the Armed Forces, William faced a crossroads: head back to the Household Cavalry or give up his military tenure to start on his regal responsibilities.

Choosing the RAF meant a precious bit of extra time and liberty before diving into full-time Royal duties – a taste of independence neither his grandmum nor old man ever got a bite of, reports the Mirror.

Kate faced a setback when expectations of her marrying Prince William and starting her Royal journey were dashed.

In her book, “Kate: The Future Queen,” Royal commentator Katie Nicholl wrote: “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.

Prince William’s new role entailed 18 months of rigorous training in Shropshire, followed by a two-year stint at an undisclosed UK location. Nicholl writes: “Was Kate prepared to join him? She supported his desires and ambitions, but privately she was crushed.

“William was asking her [Kate] to be an army wife – without the nuptials. Her frustration was understandable.”

Following this, the couple enjoyed some intimate moments in Scotland over the New Year, and Kate vacationed with her family.

However, as her birthday approached, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in William’s life. Katie reveals that Prince William was sure their love would endure the long-distance challenge, with his Shropshire base a three-hour trek from the capital.

Katie notes Kate struggled more as peers were settling down, leaving her feeling left out
Katie writes: “For Kate, it was a step backwards. It seemed that everyone was getting married except for her. As she neared her 27th birthday, Kate’s plan to be married with children by the time she was thirty was looking increasingly unlikely.”

Katie also mentions that not only Kate was concerned; Carole Middleton, her mother, was becoming “jittery” too. Yet, the couple persevered, with William often driving the 130 miles to Bucklebury to visit Kate.

At 2010’s close, William cemented their relationship by proposing, though they kept the engagement under wraps until November 20 the following month. The duo sealed their union in an opulent Royal ceremony at Westminster Abbey in April 2011.