Royal Butler Reflects on Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2007 Split

A former royal butler shared alleged details into Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton’s brief 2007 split.

In an interview with People, published on Tuesday, September 2, Grant Harrold claimed he witnessed William and Kate, both 43, rekindle their romance over a “private Valentine’s meal” in February 2008 after separating for several months. (The couple began dating in 2003 after meeting as university students in 2001.)

“It was just the two of them,” Harrold, who claimed to have served as a butler to King Charles from 2004 to 2011 and worked alongside William and Kate as they enjoyed their meal, said. “It was really nice, quite special actually.”

He also reflected on how the alleged meal changed the pair. “Before, they weren’t [really] holding hands — it was very much William’s friend. After that, when they got back together, it absolutely changed, and it was very much them as a couple,” Harrold said. “Something changed, and you knew they were a couple, and from then on, it was very much a waiting game.”

Harrold added that once the couple got back together, he “was convinced they would get married.” William and Kate’s wedding was held three years later on April 29, 2011.

The former staffer also reflected on the alleged chemistry he felt between William and Kate, who now share three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

“When you saw them together and see them get on as friends, although they were in love, they are also absolutely best friends,” Harrold said before comparing the couple to William’s grandparents, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. (Queen Elizabeth died in 2022 at the age of 96, while Prince Philip died in 2021 at age 99.)

“Their relationship was similar,” Harrold explained. “They were best friends who worked together as a team.”

Us Weekly reported on Wednesday, August 27, that Kate is reentering the spotlight at her own pace following her battle with cancer. A source told Us exclusively that Kate, who announced in January that she was in remission after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024, is prioritizing her husband and children above all.

“Kate’s outlook has changed, and her priorities have shifted,” the source revealed. “[She’s] emphasizing her family and her well-being over [intense] duties.”

A second source told Us last week that the couple have set limits over their lifestyles to protect their home life and individual mental health. “While they take their responsibilities very seriously, they are not afraid to say no when necessary,” the insider said.