🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 173 (from laksa098)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa173.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose\/","crawl_time":1776135826,"first_indexed_time":1718447155,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,co,heart!www,\/news\/royals\/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose\/ s443","src_root_hash":"199606394970766173","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Prince William reveals the real reason he took so long to propose to Kate Middleton - Heart","meta_descriptions":["The Prince of Wales has explained why he chose to wait eight years before getting engaged to Catherine Middleton."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"13 June 2024, 17:43\nPrince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010.\nPicture: \nGetty\nThe Prince of Wales has explained why he chose to wait eight years before getting engaged to Catherine Middleton.\nLoading audio...\nPrince William\nhas revealed why he took so long to propose to wife\nKate Middleton\n.\nNow happily married with three\nchildren\n-\nPrince George\n,\nPrincess Charlotte\nand\nPrince Louis\n- the Royal couple first met at the University of St Andrews in 2001 and were friends for a year before embarking on a relationship.\nThe pair were together for eight years before the Prince of Wales popped the question during a romantic trip to Kenya in 2010.\nListen now on Global Player, the official Heart app: Take That: This Life\nHowever their years of dating without an engagement raised eyebrows amongst the public, with the press dubbing the future Princess of Wales 'Waity Katie'.\nPrince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010.\nPicture: \nGetty\nAfter confirming their engagement, the couple appeared in a joint interview with ITV's Tom Bradbury to discuss their upcoming nuptials.\nDuring this conversation Prince William went on to reveal why he waited eight years to propose, citing the impact their engagement would have on Kate and the\nMiddleton family\nas a factor in his decision making.\nWilliam explained: \"Her and her family, I really want to make sure that they have the best sort of guidance and chance to see what life has been like, or what life is like in the family.\n\"That’s almost kind of why I have been waiting this long is because I wanted to give her a chance to see in and to back out if she needed to before it all got too much.\"\nREAD MORE:\nWhat is Prince William's surname? Name meaning explained\nREAD MORE:\nWhat will Prince William's official name be when he's king?\nPrince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011.\nPicture: \nAlamy\nHe continued: \"I’m trying to learn from lessons done in the past, and I just wanted to give her the best chance to settle in and to see what happens on the other side.\"\nKate then added: \"I'm also glad I've had the time to sort of grow and understand myself more as well, so hopefully do a good job.\"\nWhen asked if their future is something they’ve discussed, the heir to the throne replied: \"We’ve talked about it lots, it’s always been something we’ve had a good chat about.\n\"Both of us have come to this decision, you know pretty much together, I just chose when to do it and how to do it and obviously being a real romantic I did it extremely well.\"\nKate Middleton and Prince William share three children together.\nPicture: \nAlamy\nThe pair tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on the 29th of April 2011, in an extravagant ceremony watched by tens of millions of people around the world.\nGuests at the wedding of the year included members of the Royal Family including\nQueen Elizabeth II\n,\nKing Charles III\nand\nPrince Harry\n, as well as some celebrity invitees such as David and Victoria Beckham, Rowan Atkinson, Sir Elton John and journalist Tom Bradbury.\nREAD MORE:\nKate Middleton has a secret birthday tradition for George, Charlotte and Louis\nREAD MORE:\nWhere do Kate Middleton and Prince William live? A look at their family home\nREAD MORE:\nKate Middleton and Prince William confess they’re 'super-competitive' with each other","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose\/#main-content)\n\n[skip to navigation](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose\/#primary)\n\n[Heart](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/)\n\n[Listen](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/javascript-required\/)\n\n## On Air Now\n[Early Breakfast with Lindsey Russell](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/radio\/shows-presenters\/lindsey-russell\/)   4am - 6:30am\n\n[![Early Breakfast with Lindsey Russell](https:\/\/mediaweb.musicradio.com\/player\/image.aspx?i=\/\/\/mediaweb.musicradio.com\/artwork\/ses\/e83efda2-ce33-44fc-a2e5-3562399c68f9&h=144)](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/radio\/shows-presenters\/lindsey-russell\/)\n\n## Now Playing\nLocked Out Of Heaven  Bruno Mars   [Download 'Locked Out Of Heaven' on iTunes](https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/gb\/album\/locked-out-of-heaven\/id572179738?i=572179973&app=music&uo=4&at=10lwHC&ct=Heart_Miscellaneous)\n\n![Locked Out Of Heaven artwork](https:\/\/images.musicrad.io\/resizer\/?image=aHR0cHM6Ly9pczUtc3NsLm16c3RhdGljLmNvbS9pbWFnZS90aHVtYi9NdXNpYy92NC9hMi9lNS83Mi9hMmU1NzJhMi0yYTg0LWZlMzgtZGU5NS02ZTZlYzI2Mjc0YTYvc291cmNlLzYwMHg2MDBiYi5qcGc%3D&width=225&signature=VrNeUAFMuqYgKrxG_61smjE-vME=)\n\n- [Last Played Songs](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/radio\/last-played-songs\/)\n- [Schedule](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/radio\/schedule\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/)\n- [Radio](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/radio\/)\n- [Showbiz](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/showbiz\/)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/lifestyle\/)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/)\n- [Win](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/win\/)\n- [Podcasts](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/podcasts\/)\n- [Find your Heart station](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/localise\/)\n- [Events](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/events\/)\n- [Bingo](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/bingo\/)\n- [Charity](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/radio\/charity\/)\n- [Music](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/showbiz\/music\/)\n- [Weather](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/weather\/)\n- [Store](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/store\/)\n- *Follow us on:*\n  [Follow Heart on Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thisisheartofficial \"Follow Heart on Facebook\")\n  \n  [Follow Heart on Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/thisisheart \"Follow Heart on Instagram\")\n  \n  [Follow Heart on Youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/HeartRadioMusic \"Follow Heart on Youtube\")\n\nNews\n\n- [News Home](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/)\n- [UK & World](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/uk-world\/)\n- [Traffic & Travel](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/traffic-travel\/)\n- [Showbiz](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/showbiz\/)\n- [Royals](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/)\n- [Weather](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/weather\/)\n- [Sport](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/sport\/)\n- [More Heart](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/)\n\n# Prince William reveals the real reason he took so long to propose to Kate Middleton\n13 June 2024, 17:43\n\n![Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/657824?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=1X7hFa4nizMHzqP90brvXouz4GQ=)\n\nPrince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010.  Picture: Getty\n\nBy Hope Wilson\n\n[![Facebook share](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/assets_v4r\/gusto\/img\/facebook-share.png)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dialog\/share?href=www.heart.co.uk%2Fnews%2Froyals%2Fprince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose%2F&app_id=199141616775675)\n\nThe Prince of Wales has explained why he chose to wait eight years before getting engaged to Catherine Middleton.\n\n#### Listen to this article\nLoading audio...\n\n[Prince William](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william\/) has revealed why he took so long to propose to wife [Kate Middleton](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/kate-middleton\/).\n\nNow happily married with three [children](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/kate-middleton-prince-williams-children-names-ages-royal-titles\/)\\- [Prince George](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-george\/), [Princess Charlotte](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/princess-charlotte\/) and [Prince Louis](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-louis\/)\\- the Royal couple first met at the University of St Andrews in 2001 and were friends for a year before embarking on a relationship.\n\nThe pair were together for eight years before the Prince of Wales popped the question during a romantic trip to Kenya in 2010.\n\n- [**Listen now on Global Player, the official Heart app: Take That: This Life**](https:\/\/global-player.onelink.me\/Br0x\/c6regn01)\n\nHowever their years of dating without an engagement raised eyebrows amongst the public, with the press dubbing the future Princess of Wales 'Waity Katie'.\n\n![Prince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/657818?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=ADSjbCTfGtecjmhInlvc_Y5_9Ns=)\n\nPrince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010.  Picture: Getty\n\nAfter confirming their engagement, the couple appeared in a joint interview with ITV's Tom Bradbury to discuss their upcoming nuptials.\n\nDuring this conversation Prince William went on to reveal why he waited eight years to propose, citing the impact their engagement would have on Kate and the [Middleton family](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/pippa-middleton\/) as a factor in his decision making.\n\nWilliam explained: \"Her and her family, I really want to make sure that they have the best sort of guidance and chance to see what life has been like, or what life is like in the family.\n\n\"That’s almost kind of why I have been waiting this long is because I wanted to give her a chance to see in and to back out if she needed to before it all got too much.\"\n\n- **READ MORE:** [**What is Prince William's surname? Name meaning explained**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-full-name-surname-royal-titles\/)\n- **READ MORE:** [**What will Prince William's official name be when he's king?**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/prince-william-official-name-when-king\/)\n\n![Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/657815?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=05TNKlr6zrPFYyKculoxyOEr0XU=)\n\nPrince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011.  Picture: Alamy\n\nHe continued: \"I’m trying to learn from lessons done in the past, and I just wanted to give her the best chance to settle in and to see what happens on the other side.\"\n\nKate then added: \"I'm also glad I've had the time to sort of grow and understand myself more as well, so hopefully do a good job.\"\n\nWhen asked if their future is something they’ve discussed, the heir to the throne replied: \"We’ve talked about it lots, it’s always been something we’ve had a good chat about.\n\n\"Both of us have come to this decision, you know pretty much together, I just chose when to do it and how to do it and obviously being a real romantic I did it extremely well.\"\n\n![Kate Middleton and Prince William share three children together](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/657816?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=tk33GDhTQsd8ojF5toBW7ZvKheU=)\n\nKate Middleton and Prince William share three children together.  Picture: Alamy\n\nThe pair tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on the 29th of April 2011, in an extravagant ceremony watched by tens of millions of people around the world.\n\nGuests at the wedding of the year included members of the Royal Family including [Queen Elizabeth II](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/queen\/), [King Charles III](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/king-charles\/) and [Prince Harry](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-harry\/), as well as some celebrity invitees such as David and Victoria Beckham, Rowan Atkinson, Sir Elton John and journalist Tom Bradbury.\n\n- **READ MORE:** [**Kate Middleton has a secret birthday tradition for George, Charlotte and Louis**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/kate-middleton-birthday-tradition-george-charlotte-louis\/)\n- **READ MORE:** [**Where do Kate Middleton and Prince William live? A look at their family home**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/showbiz\/where-do-kate-middleton-prince-william-family-home\/)\n- **READ MORE:** [**Kate Middleton and Prince William confess they’re 'super-competitive' with each other**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/kate-middleton\/kate-middleton-prince-william-competitive-with-each-other\/)\n\n## [Latest Royal News](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/)\n[See more Latest Royal News](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/)\n\n[![In a statement released at midday, the King expressed his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his brother and said “the law must take its course.\"](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/793920?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=VOldV3zGhSnnAPvQ9SOvzu1__h4=)King Charles makes statement about brother Andrew's arrest](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/king-charles-statement-brother-andrew-arrest\/)\n\n[![The Princess of Wales has marked her 44th birthday with a deeply personal message reflecting on the comfort she has found in nature throughout her cancer treatment](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/783369?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=Q35gBAz3CI8MY-M6pHfdv3bx_2Q=)Princess of Wales Kate Middleton shares very personal 44th birthday message](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/showbiz\/princess-wales-kate-middleton-44th-birthday-message-cancer-video\/)\n\n[Showbiz](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/showbiz\/)\n\n[![Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are Kate Middleton and Prince William's three children](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/647386?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=tMP1HYcUyKVXUMygICYBks6ijKE=)Kate Middleton and Prince William's children's full names, ages and royal titles](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/kate-middleton-prince-williams-children-names-ages-royal-titles\/)\n\n[![Kate Middleton wore a rarely-seen tiara for the final royal banquet of the year](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/776066?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=M7D9CCaUjLrzqrM_MCX-4vQ6hw0=)Why everyone is talking about Kate Middleton's royal tiara](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/kate-middleton-oriental-circlet-tiara\/)\n\n[![Among the many tributes the Osbourne received, one stood out above all: a hand-delivered letter from King Charles himself.](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/770877?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=-hmwTbcylvAmc49YXhuceNoHTFY=)Sharon Osbourne reveals King Charles' incredible gesture after husband Ozzy's death](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/showbiz\/sharon-osbourne-king-charles-ozzy-osbourne-death\/)\n\n[Showbiz](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/showbiz\/)\n\n[![Prince William revealed he missed his grandmother dearly.](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/758426?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=YIGVJP5g_23n7kGbwo1Q2nTl0Iw=)Prince William admits he 'misses' Queen Elizabeth II in rare emotional interview](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-misses-queen-elizabeth-ii-rare-emotional-interview\/)\n\n[![Prince William commented on his mischievous son Louis at a recent royal event.](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/753264?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=rWzuGuSUgQfxQklrffl-JGMdrX0=)Prince William reveals 'cheeky' Prince Louis loves to 'wind up' his siblings](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-reveals-prince-louis-winds-up-george-charlotte\/)\n\n[![The Prince and Princess of Wales are swapping Adelaide Cottage for Forest Lodge in Windsor.](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/752873?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=x2ths5576xTwVfF74fyGPuS3bSs=)Prince William and Princess Kate's big changes to their new 'forever home' revealed](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-princess-kate-changes-new-home-forest-lodge-windsor\/)\n\n[![Prince Harry discussed his ongoing feud with his brother at the WellChild Awards 2025.](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/752800?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=xv0L8ErT-RLYAkA4emnZCC7B1ds=)Prince Harry opens up about ‘challenging’ sibling relationships amid fallout with Prince William](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-harry-opens-up-challenging-sibling-relationships-feud-prince-william\/)\n\n[![Prince William has apparently declined to meet with Prince Harry](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/752597?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=pJyqRC5wk2YB6FgBQu4kPQ6n9J4=)Prince William's firm reason for rejecting Prince Harry reunion revealed](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-rejecting-prince-harry-reunion\/)\n\n[Back to top](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose\/#top \"Back to top\")\n\n### Also on Heart\n- [Listen to Global Player](https:\/\/www.globalplayer.com\/)\n- [Heart Breakfast with Jamie and 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Play](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/assets_v4r\/dist\/gusto\/img\/google-play-badge.svg)](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.global.player)\n\n### Follow Us\n[Follow Heart on Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thisisheartofficial \"Follow Heart on Facebook\")\n\n[Follow Heart on Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/thisisheart \"Follow Heart on Instagram\")\n\n[Follow Heart on Youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/HeartRadioMusic \"Follow Heart on Youtube\")\n\n© Global 2026\n\n30 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LA\n\n[Privacy Manager](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"13 June 2024, 17:43\n\n![Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/657824?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=1X7hFa4nizMHzqP90brvXouz4GQ=)\n\nPrince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010.  Picture: Getty\n\nThe Prince of Wales has explained why he chose to wait eight years before getting engaged to Catherine Middleton.\n\nLoading audio...\n\n[Prince William](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william\/) has revealed why he took so long to propose to wife [Kate Middleton](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/kate-middleton\/).\n\nNow happily married with three [children](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/kate-middleton-prince-williams-children-names-ages-royal-titles\/)\\- [Prince George](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-george\/), [Princess Charlotte](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/princess-charlotte\/) and [Prince Louis](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-louis\/)\\- the Royal couple first met at the University of St Andrews in 2001 and were friends for a year before embarking on a relationship.\n\nThe pair were together for eight years before the Prince of Wales popped the question during a romantic trip to Kenya in 2010.\n\n- [**Listen now on Global Player, the official Heart app: Take That: This Life**](https:\/\/global-player.onelink.me\/Br0x\/c6regn01)\n\nHowever their years of dating without an engagement raised eyebrows amongst the public, with the press dubbing the future Princess of Wales 'Waity Katie'.\n\n![Prince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/657818?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=ADSjbCTfGtecjmhInlvc_Y5_9Ns=)\n\nPrince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010.  Picture: Getty\n\nAfter confirming their engagement, the couple appeared in a joint interview with ITV's Tom Bradbury to discuss their upcoming nuptials.\n\nDuring this conversation Prince William went on to reveal why he waited eight years to propose, citing the impact their engagement would have on Kate and the [Middleton family](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/pippa-middleton\/) as a factor in his decision making.\n\nWilliam explained: \"Her and her family, I really want to make sure that they have the best sort of guidance and chance to see what life has been like, or what life is like in the family.\n\n\"That’s almost kind of why I have been waiting this long is because I wanted to give her a chance to see in and to back out if she needed to before it all got too much.\"\n\n- **READ MORE:** [**What is Prince William's surname? Name meaning explained**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-william-full-name-surname-royal-titles\/)\n- **READ MORE:** [**What will Prince William's official name be when he's king?**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/prince-william-official-name-when-king\/)\n\n![Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/657815?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=05TNKlr6zrPFYyKculoxyOEr0XU=)\n\nPrince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011.  Picture: Alamy\n\nHe continued: \"I’m trying to learn from lessons done in the past, and I just wanted to give her the best chance to settle in and to see what happens on the other side.\"\n\nKate then added: \"I'm also glad I've had the time to sort of grow and understand myself more as well, so hopefully do a good job.\"\n\nWhen asked if their future is something they’ve discussed, the heir to the throne replied: \"We’ve talked about it lots, it’s always been something we’ve had a good chat about.\n\n\"Both of us have come to this decision, you know pretty much together, I just chose when to do it and how to do it and obviously being a real romantic I did it extremely well.\"\n\n![Kate Middleton and Prince William share three children together](https:\/\/imgs.heart.co.uk\/images\/657816?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=tk33GDhTQsd8ojF5toBW7ZvKheU=)\n\nKate Middleton and Prince William share three children together.  Picture: Alamy\n\nThe pair tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on the 29th of April 2011, in an extravagant ceremony watched by tens of millions of people around the world.\n\nGuests at the wedding of the year included members of the Royal Family including [Queen Elizabeth II](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/queen\/), [King Charles III](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/king-charles\/) and [Prince Harry](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/prince-harry\/), as well as some celebrity invitees such as David and Victoria Beckham, Rowan Atkinson, Sir Elton John and journalist Tom Bradbury.\n\n- **READ MORE:** [**Kate Middleton has a secret birthday tradition for George, Charlotte and Louis**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/kate-middleton-birthday-tradition-george-charlotte-louis\/)\n- **READ MORE:** [**Where do Kate Middleton and Prince William live? A look at their family home**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/showbiz\/where-do-kate-middleton-prince-william-family-home\/)\n- **READ MORE:** [**Kate Middleton and Prince William confess they’re 'super-competitive' with each other**](https:\/\/www.heart.co.uk\/news\/royals\/kate-middleton\/kate-middleton-prince-william-competitive-with-each-other\/)","meta_canonical":null}

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First Indexed	2024-06-15 10:25:55 (1 year ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Prince William reveals the real reason he took so long to propose to Kate Middleton - Heart
Meta Description	The Prince of Wales has explained why he chose to wait eight years before getting engaged to Catherine Middleton.
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Boilerpipe Text	13 June 2024, 17:43 Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010. Picture: Getty The Prince of Wales has explained why he chose to wait eight years before getting engaged to Catherine Middleton. Loading audio... Prince William has revealed why he took so long to propose to wife Kate Middleton . Now happily married with three children - Prince George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - the Royal couple first met at the University of St Andrews in 2001 and were friends for a year before embarking on a relationship. The pair were together for eight years before the Prince of Wales popped the question during a romantic trip to Kenya in 2010. Listen now on Global Player, the official Heart app: Take That: This Life However their years of dating without an engagement raised eyebrows amongst the public, with the press dubbing the future Princess of Wales 'Waity Katie'. Prince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010. Picture: Getty After confirming their engagement, the couple appeared in a joint interview with ITV's Tom Bradbury to discuss their upcoming nuptials. During this conversation Prince William went on to reveal why he waited eight years to propose, citing the impact their engagement would have on Kate and the Middleton family as a factor in his decision making. William explained: "Her and her family, I really want to make sure that they have the best sort of guidance and chance to see what life has been like, or what life is like in the family. "That’s almost kind of why I have been waiting this long is because I wanted to give her a chance to see in and to back out if she needed to before it all got too much." READ MORE: What is Prince William's surname? Name meaning explained READ MORE: What will Prince William's official name be when he's king? Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011. Picture: Alamy He continued: "I’m trying to learn from lessons done in the past, and I just wanted to give her the best chance to settle in and to see what happens on the other side." Kate then added: "I'm also glad I've had the time to sort of grow and understand myself more as well, so hopefully do a good job." When asked if their future is something they’ve discussed, the heir to the throne replied: "We’ve talked about it lots, it’s always been something we’ve had a good chat about. "Both of us have come to this decision, you know pretty much together, I just chose when to do it and how to do it and obviously being a real romantic I did it extremely well." Kate Middleton and Prince William share three children together. Picture: Alamy The pair tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on the 29th of April 2011, in an extravagant ceremony watched by tens of millions of people around the world. Guests at the wedding of the year included members of the Royal Family including Queen Elizabeth II , King Charles III and Prince Harry , as well as some celebrity invitees such as David and Victoria Beckham, Rowan Atkinson, Sir Elton John and journalist Tom Bradbury. READ MORE: Kate Middleton has a secret birthday tradition for George, Charlotte and Louis READ MORE: Where do Kate Middleton and Prince William live? A look at their family home READ MORE: Kate Middleton and Prince William confess they’re 'super-competitive' with each other
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose/#main-content) [skip to navigation](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose/#primary) [Heart](https://www.heart.co.uk/) [Listen](https://www.heart.co.uk/javascript-required/) ## On Air Now [Early Breakfast with Lindsey Russell](https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/shows-presenters/lindsey-russell/) 4am - 6:30am [![Early Breakfast with Lindsey Russell](https://mediaweb.musicradio.com/player/image.aspx?i=///mediaweb.musicradio.com/artwork/ses/e83efda2-ce33-44fc-a2e5-3562399c68f9&h=144)](https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/shows-presenters/lindsey-russell/) ## Now Playing Locked Out Of Heaven Bruno Mars [Download 'Locked Out Of Heaven' on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/locked-out-of-heaven/id572179738?i=572179973&app=music&uo=4&at=10lwHC&ct=Heart_Miscellaneous) ![Locked Out Of Heaven artwork](https://images.musicrad.io/resizer/?image=aHR0cHM6Ly9pczUtc3NsLm16c3RhdGljLmNvbS9pbWFnZS90aHVtYi9NdXNpYy92NC9hMi9lNS83Mi9hMmU1NzJhMi0yYTg0LWZlMzgtZGU5NS02ZTZlYzI2Mjc0YTYvc291cmNlLzYwMHg2MDBiYi5qcGc%3D&width=225&signature=VrNeUAFMuqYgKrxG_61smjE-vME=) - [Last Played Songs](https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/last-played-songs/) - [Schedule](https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/schedule/) - [Home](https://www.heart.co.uk/) - [Radio](https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/) - [Showbiz](https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/) - [Lifestyle](https://www.heart.co.uk/lifestyle/) - [News](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/) - [Win](https://www.heart.co.uk/win/) - [Podcasts](https://www.heart.co.uk/podcasts/) - [Find your Heart station](https://www.heart.co.uk/localise/) - [Events](https://www.heart.co.uk/events/) - [Bingo](https://www.heart.co.uk/bingo/) - [Charity](https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/charity/) - [Music](https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/music/) - [Weather](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/weather/) - [Store](https://www.heart.co.uk/store/) - Follow us on: [Follow Heart on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thisisheartofficial "Follow Heart on Facebook") [Follow Heart on Instagram](https://instagram.com/thisisheart "Follow Heart on Instagram") [Follow Heart on Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/user/HeartRadioMusic "Follow Heart on Youtube") News - [News Home](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/) - [UK & World](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/uk-world/) - [Traffic & Travel](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/traffic-travel/) - [Showbiz](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/showbiz/) - [Royals](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/) - [Weather](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/weather/) - [Sport](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/sport/) - [More Heart](https://www.heart.co.uk/) # Prince William reveals the real reason he took so long to propose to Kate Middleton 13 June 2024, 17:43 ![Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/657824?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=1X7hFa4nizMHzqP90brvXouz4GQ=) Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010. Picture: Getty By Hope Wilson [![Facebook share](https://www.heart.co.uk/assets_v4r/gusto/img/facebook-share.png)](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?href=www.heart.co.uk%2Fnews%2Froyals%2Fprince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose%2F&app_id=199141616775675) The Prince of Wales has explained why he chose to wait eight years before getting engaged to Catherine Middleton. #### Listen to this article Loading audio... [Prince William](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william/) has revealed why he took so long to propose to wife [Kate Middleton](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/kate-middleton/). Now happily married with three [children](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/kate-middleton-prince-williams-children-names-ages-royal-titles/)\- [Prince George](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-george/), [Princess Charlotte](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/princess-charlotte/) and [Prince Louis](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-louis/)\- the Royal couple first met at the University of St Andrews in 2001 and were friends for a year before embarking on a relationship. The pair were together for eight years before the Prince of Wales popped the question during a romantic trip to Kenya in 2010. - [Listen now on Global Player, the official Heart app: Take That: This Life](https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/c6regn01) However their years of dating without an engagement raised eyebrows amongst the public, with the press dubbing the future Princess of Wales 'Waity Katie'. ![Prince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/657818?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=ADSjbCTfGtecjmhInlvc_Y5_9Ns=) Prince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010. Picture: Getty After confirming their engagement, the couple appeared in a joint interview with ITV's Tom Bradbury to discuss their upcoming nuptials. During this conversation Prince William went on to reveal why he waited eight years to propose, citing the impact their engagement would have on Kate and the [Middleton family](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/pippa-middleton/) as a factor in his decision making. William explained: "Her and her family, I really want to make sure that they have the best sort of guidance and chance to see what life has been like, or what life is like in the family. "That’s almost kind of why I have been waiting this long is because I wanted to give her a chance to see in and to back out if she needed to before it all got too much." - READ MORE: [What is Prince William's surname? Name meaning explained](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-full-name-surname-royal-titles/) - READ MORE: [What will Prince William's official name be when he's king?](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/prince-william-official-name-when-king/) ![Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/657815?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=05TNKlr6zrPFYyKculoxyOEr0XU=) Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011. Picture: Alamy He continued: "I’m trying to learn from lessons done in the past, and I just wanted to give her the best chance to settle in and to see what happens on the other side." Kate then added: "I'm also glad I've had the time to sort of grow and understand myself more as well, so hopefully do a good job." When asked if their future is something they’ve discussed, the heir to the throne replied: "We’ve talked about it lots, it’s always been something we’ve had a good chat about. "Both of us have come to this decision, you know pretty much together, I just chose when to do it and how to do it and obviously being a real romantic I did it extremely well." ![Kate Middleton and Prince William share three children together](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/657816?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=tk33GDhTQsd8ojF5toBW7ZvKheU=) Kate Middleton and Prince William share three children together. Picture: Alamy The pair tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on the 29th of April 2011, in an extravagant ceremony watched by tens of millions of people around the world. Guests at the wedding of the year included members of the Royal Family including [Queen Elizabeth II](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/queen/), [King Charles III](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/king-charles/) and [Prince Harry](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-harry/), as well as some celebrity invitees such as David and Victoria Beckham, Rowan Atkinson, Sir Elton John and journalist Tom Bradbury. - READ MORE: [Kate Middleton has a secret birthday tradition for George, Charlotte and Louis](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/kate-middleton-birthday-tradition-george-charlotte-louis/) - READ MORE: [Where do Kate Middleton and Prince William live? A look at their family home](https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/where-do-kate-middleton-prince-william-family-home/) - READ MORE: [Kate Middleton and Prince William confess they’re 'super-competitive' with each other](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/kate-middleton/kate-middleton-prince-william-competitive-with-each-other/) ## [Latest Royal News](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/) [See more Latest Royal News](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/) [![In a statement released at midday, the King expressed his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his brother and said “the law must take its course."](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/793920?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=VOldV3zGhSnnAPvQ9SOvzu1__h4=)King Charles makes statement about brother Andrew's arrest](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/king-charles-statement-brother-andrew-arrest/) [![The Princess of Wales has marked her 44th birthday with a deeply personal message reflecting on the comfort she has found in nature throughout her cancer treatment](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/783369?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=Q35gBAz3CI8MY-M6pHfdv3bx_2Q=)Princess of Wales Kate Middleton shares very personal 44th birthday message](https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/princess-wales-kate-middleton-44th-birthday-message-cancer-video/) [Showbiz](https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/) [![Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are Kate Middleton and Prince William's three children](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/647386?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=tMP1HYcUyKVXUMygICYBks6ijKE=)Kate Middleton and Prince William's children's full names, ages and royal titles](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/kate-middleton-prince-williams-children-names-ages-royal-titles/) [![Kate Middleton wore a rarely-seen tiara for the final royal banquet of the year](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/776066?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=M7D9CCaUjLrzqrM_MCX-4vQ6hw0=)Why everyone is talking about Kate Middleton's royal tiara](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/kate-middleton-oriental-circlet-tiara/) [![Among the many tributes the Osbourne received, one stood out above all: a hand-delivered letter from King Charles himself.](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/770877?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=-hmwTbcylvAmc49YXhuceNoHTFY=)Sharon Osbourne reveals King Charles' incredible gesture after husband Ozzy's death](https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/sharon-osbourne-king-charles-ozzy-osbourne-death/) [Showbiz](https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/) [![Prince William revealed he missed his grandmother dearly.](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/758426?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=YIGVJP5g_23n7kGbwo1Q2nTl0Iw=)Prince William admits he 'misses' Queen Elizabeth II in rare emotional interview](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-misses-queen-elizabeth-ii-rare-emotional-interview/) [![Prince William commented on his mischievous son Louis at a recent royal event.](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/753264?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=rWzuGuSUgQfxQklrffl-JGMdrX0=)Prince William reveals 'cheeky' Prince Louis loves to 'wind up' his siblings](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-reveals-prince-louis-winds-up-george-charlotte/) [![The Prince and Princess of Wales are swapping Adelaide Cottage for Forest Lodge in Windsor.](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/752873?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=x2ths5576xTwVfF74fyGPuS3bSs=)Prince William and Princess Kate's big changes to their new 'forever home' revealed](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-princess-kate-changes-new-home-forest-lodge-windsor/) [![Prince Harry discussed his ongoing feud with his brother at the WellChild Awards 2025.](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/752800?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=xv0L8ErT-RLYAkA4emnZCC7B1ds=)Prince Harry opens up about ‘challenging’ sibling relationships amid fallout with Prince William](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-harry-opens-up-challenging-sibling-relationships-feud-prince-william/) [![Prince William has apparently declined to meet with Prince Harry](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/752597?width=105&crop=1_1&format=webp&signature=pJyqRC5wk2YB6FgBQu4kPQ6n9J4=)Prince William's firm reason for rejecting Prince Harry reunion revealed](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-rejecting-prince-harry-reunion/) [Back to top](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-engagement-propose/#top "Back to top") ### Also on Heart - 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Readable Markdown	13 June 2024, 17:43 ![Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/657824?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=1X7hFa4nizMHzqP90brvXouz4GQ=) Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010. Picture: Getty The Prince of Wales has explained why he chose to wait eight years before getting engaged to Catherine Middleton. Loading audio... [Prince William](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william/) has revealed why he took so long to propose to wife [Kate Middleton](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/kate-middleton/). Now happily married with three [children](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/kate-middleton-prince-williams-children-names-ages-royal-titles/)\- [Prince George](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-george/), [Princess Charlotte](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/princess-charlotte/) and [Prince Louis](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-louis/)\- the Royal couple first met at the University of St Andrews in 2001 and were friends for a year before embarking on a relationship. The pair were together for eight years before the Prince of Wales popped the question during a romantic trip to Kenya in 2010. - [Listen now on Global Player, the official Heart app: Take That: This Life](https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/c6regn01) However their years of dating without an engagement raised eyebrows amongst the public, with the press dubbing the future Princess of Wales 'Waity Katie'. ![Prince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/657818?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=ADSjbCTfGtecjmhInlvc_Y5_9Ns=) Prince William and Kate became engaged in November 2010. Picture: Getty After confirming their engagement, the couple appeared in a joint interview with ITV's Tom Bradbury to discuss their upcoming nuptials. During this conversation Prince William went on to reveal why he waited eight years to propose, citing the impact their engagement would have on Kate and the [Middleton family](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/pippa-middleton/) as a factor in his decision making. William explained: "Her and her family, I really want to make sure that they have the best sort of guidance and chance to see what life has been like, or what life is like in the family. "That’s almost kind of why I have been waiting this long is because I wanted to give her a chance to see in and to back out if she needed to before it all got too much." - READ MORE: [What is Prince William's surname? Name meaning explained](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-full-name-surname-royal-titles/) - READ MORE: [What will Prince William's official name be when he's king?](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/prince-william-official-name-when-king/) ![Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/657815?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=05TNKlr6zrPFYyKculoxyOEr0XU=) Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011. Picture: Alamy He continued: "I’m trying to learn from lessons done in the past, and I just wanted to give her the best chance to settle in and to see what happens on the other side." Kate then added: "I'm also glad I've had the time to sort of grow and understand myself more as well, so hopefully do a good job." When asked if their future is something they’ve discussed, the heir to the throne replied: "We’ve talked about it lots, it’s always been something we’ve had a good chat about. "Both of us have come to this decision, you know pretty much together, I just chose when to do it and how to do it and obviously being a real romantic I did it extremely well." ![Kate Middleton and Prince William share three children together](https://imgs.heart.co.uk/images/657816?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&format=webp&signature=tk33GDhTQsd8ojF5toBW7ZvKheU=) Kate Middleton and Prince William share three children together. Picture: Alamy The pair tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on the 29th of April 2011, in an extravagant ceremony watched by tens of millions of people around the world. Guests at the wedding of the year included members of the Royal Family including [Queen Elizabeth II](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/queen/), [King Charles III](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/king-charles/) and [Prince Harry](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-harry/), as well as some celebrity invitees such as David and Victoria Beckham, Rowan Atkinson, Sir Elton John and journalist Tom Bradbury. - READ MORE: [Kate Middleton has a secret birthday tradition for George, Charlotte and Louis](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/kate-middleton-birthday-tradition-george-charlotte-louis/) - READ MORE: [Where do Kate Middleton and Prince William live? A look at their family home](https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/where-do-kate-middleton-prince-william-family-home/) - READ MORE: [Kate Middleton and Prince William confess they’re 'super-competitive' with each other](https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/kate-middleton/kate-middleton-prince-william-competitive-with-each-other/)
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