Home / Latest News / Princess Diana

Kate Middleton's Wild Pub Confession About Prince William's Engagement — And the Family Reactions She Never Saw Coming

Before she became a royal, Kate Middleton decided to tell her siblings about her engagement to Prince William in a local pub.

prince william
The Princess of Wales told her siblings about her engagement to Prince William in a pub. Source: MEGA

Catherine, Princess of Wales, became royal when she married Prince William on April 29, 2011. However, HRH decided to make history by telling her siblings in a local pub that she was betrothed to the future king.

"We sit in a corner, chattering quietly," James Middleton revealed in his new book Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life. "Catherine whispers the news and says it will become public in the next day or so."

kate middleton

"Pippa and I want to be visibly excited, but we have to tamp down our emotions so no one suspects a thing," he wrote. "We make a quiet acknowledgment that we’ll always be there for each other, look out for one another, support each other. No matter how crazy things get."

The Prince and Princess of Wales had one of the longest relationships in royal history before they wed in 2011 after a decade together. But William's "stubborn" streak frequently adds stress to the royal partnership, according to a source.

"Who doesn’t treat their husband like another toddler from time to time? It’s well known that William can be hot-tempered and certainly quite stubborn. Of course, they have rows, which apparently can be quite fiery, but they are quickly over and peace is restored," royal expert Jennie Bond told an outlet.

james and pippa middleton

But unlike some of the horrific arguments William's parents, Charles and Diana, had when he was younger, his disagreements with Kate are not as dysfunctional.

"I think it’s a sign of a healthy and relatable marriage. And, actually, there is an incredibly equal partnership," Bond added.

Royal biographer Tom Quinn also spoke about the royal marriage to a publication by describing the Prince of Wales as being "prone to tantrums." He shared, "They do have rows. It's not a perfect marriage. They have terrific rows. But, where some couples have a row and throw heavy vases at each other, William and Kate throw cushions at each other. It's always kept under control."

It is very hard to see any of this strain since the future king and queen are so adept at displaying a positive and compassionate image while in public.

prince william

However, it is the "enduring bond" between Britain's next king and queen that is lasting, and also "inspires others."

"I wanted one day to experience what they were experiencing as a couple," James wrote. "Having been brought up... with strong, capable women surrounding me, I've enjoyed having this older brother-type figure to bounce questions [off of]. I’m just incredibly grateful that [Kate and William] have been supportive of me over these years as well."

james middleton

Powered by RedCircle

The New York Post reported on James' book.

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories

While Andrew has recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons, his encounter with an alleged stalker has left everyone scared.
By Medha Sengupta · AUG 7, 2026
Kate Middleton's latest Wimbledon outfit wasn't all-new—and that's exactly what caught fashion fans' attention!
By Mehak Walia · JUL 13, 2026
Getting invited to the Swift-Kelce wedding became a race, a status symbol, as numerous high-profile individuals lobbied to get an inside pass.
By Mary Anthony · JUL 6, 2026
Prince William joked about Travis Kelce’s most memorable moment being outside his football career.
By Mary Anthony · JUL 3, 2026
Princess Anne stepped out in this iconic dress from 1984 and royal fans are impressed!
By Hrishita Das · JUN 27, 2026
Kate Middleton and Melinda Gates reportedly came together at Windsor Castle over a shared passion for a cause they both support.
By Ira Deokule · JUN 25, 2026
Prince William and Robert Irwin's appearance at a climate event was meant to inspire change, but fans quickly focused on something else.
By Mary Anthony · JUN 24, 2026
Royal watchers may have spotted a subtle shift in the monarchy during Trooping the Colour 2026, and it's closely aligned with Prince William's long-term plans for the institution.
By Mary Anthony · JUN 13, 2026
As King Charles celebrates Trooping the Colour, actress Helen Mirren has been awarded one of Britain's rarest honors.
By Hrishita Das · JUN 13, 2026
Meghan Markle treats fans to a new family photo carousel featuring Prince Harry, Prince Lilibet, and a sweet nod to pop icon Beyoncé.
By Ira Deokule · JUN 10, 2026