Before they became the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William walked away from Kate Middleton — only to come "crawling back."The claim was made by Christopher Andersen, author of "Kate!," which explores how the once commoner became the universally adored face of the British monarchy.Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace for comment.A spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital it does not comment on books.PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON ARE READY TO LEAD THE MONARCHY, SOURCES SAY: 'THANK GOD THEY’VE GOT EACH OTHER'Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales walk in the orchards as they visit to Long Meadow Cider on October 14, 2025, in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.
Their love story is being revisited in a new book by Christopher Andersen.(Chris Jackson/Getty Images)"Kate Middleton certainly was strategic in winning Prince William back," Andersen told Fox News Digital.
"And she had [her mother] Carole Middleton as her general or field marshal or strategist — we’re going to call it.But Kate was crushed in the beginning.
[It] was completely out of the blue.I was in London when they broke up in 2007, and it was shocking.
Everyone thought they were on the verge of announcing their engagement."William and Kate met in 2001 when they were students at the University of St.Andrews.
The pair were friends at first but eventually started dating.After several years, William reportedly broke up with Kate over the phone.Kate Middleton and Prince William attend day 1 of the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival on March 13, 2007 in Cheltenham, England.
(Photo by Indigo/Getty Images)According to Andersen’s book, Kate was "clutching her cell phone close to her ear" behind a closed door at Jigsaw, where she worked as a children’s accessories buyer.In a conference room, Kate "listened to the man she had loved for five years tell her they were through." Coworkers were straining to hear what was happening on the other side of the door.W...