Remember 11 Years Ago When Prince William and Kate Middleton Were "on a Break"?

Updated on 5/16/2018 at 4:10 AM

Looking at the Cambridge family on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour earlier this year, it's easy to forget that 11 years ago, Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship was not on the most stable ground. At that time, the pair had been together for around four years, but with both still in their mid-20s and Kate based in London while William was living in army barracks in Dorset, their relationship faltered — and at the end of March 2007, they went their separate ways.

Luckily, the split was short-lived, and they both learned from it. Kate later said in their engagement interview, "At the time I wasn't very happy about it, but it actually 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 are younger, and I really valued that time for me as well although I didn't think it at the time." By the time William and Harry hosted the Concert For Diana in July, the couple were back together. But what did they both get up to during their time apart?

William Attended a Soccer Game

As president of the Football Association, Prince William attended the FA Cup Final and presented the winners with their trophy.

He Went to a Military Parade With Prince Harry

William was not yet a full-time working member of the royal family, but already he was fulfilling some duties. In May, he and Harry put on the traditional attire of bowler hat and posh umbrella for the annual parade of the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association.

He Had a Few Low-Key Nights Out

During their breakup, William didn't do much socializing, but he was spotted out looking a little glum on a couple of occasions.

William Played in Some Charity Polo Matches

He also won some impressive-looking hardware!

He Attended Trooping the Colour With His Family

Breakup or no breakup, one thing is for sure: the royal calendar does not deviate from tradition. In June, William joined the rest of his family for the queen's annual birthday parade.

William Organized the Concert For Diana With Prince Harry

The brothers chose to celebrate the memory of their mother on the 10th anniversary of her passing with a tribute concert.

Kate Turned to Her Sister For Support

Pippa had just finished university, and that Summer she joined Kate at their parents' flat in London for a Summer of broken-heart damage control. The pair shopped, socialized, and got spray-tanned together.

She Leaned on the Women in Her Life

The newly single London girl met up with her closest female friends for lunches, and she also flew to Ireland with her mom, Carole, for the launch of an exhibition by family friend Gemma Billington. Kate also vacationed in Ibiza with her close girlfriend Emilia d'Erlanger.

Kate Trained For a Charity Boat Race

When she was invited by her old school friend Alicia Fox-Pitt to join a crew who were planning a charity race, Kate jumped at the chance and joined them for three months of training.

Kate Attended the Badminton Horse Trials With William's Best Friend

In a sign that things weren't as over as everyone might have thought between William and Kate, in May she was spotted at the annual horse meet with William's close friend James Meade.

Kate Had a VERY Active Social Life

Before the breakup, Kate was hankering after a quiet life with her beau, but after the split, she went out all over town to launches, parties, and her favorite clubs Mahiki and Boujis.

Kate Switched Up Her Look

She got really tan, looked superfit from all the rowing, and rocked a killer breakup wardrobe of microminis, skyscraper heels, and color-pop Summer brights.

Then, William and Kate Reunited!

The couple made their reconciliation public at the Concert For Diana, when Kate sat the row behind William with her brother, James. Aw.