Prince William and Princess Kate are celebrating 14 years of marriage today together in Scotland, with the royals having exchanged vows a decade after first meeting at university. While Princess Kate, 43, may have waited a number of years to be asked the big question, the time period between the engagement and royal wedding was much smaller, with the couple marrying just over six months after William got down on one knee.
During their engagement interview in 2010, William, now 42, and Princess Kate did talk about the proposal, which happened when the couple took a trip to Kenya with some friends. While they spent time with friends for the majority of the trip, William and Kate did have some quality time alone and spent a night at a lodge on Lake Rutundu, where the proposal took place.
Although Kate said it was a “shock”, William said he had been carrying the ring around for some time, and the couple had spoken about marriage a few times in ther relationship prior to the special moment.
With the lodge likely to have a fond place in their hearts, it came as a pleasant surprise to royal fans when it was discovered that both Kate and William had signed the guest book before leaving the special trip, where they had spent time fishing and enjoying time together.
Kate wrote in the book: “Thank you for such a wonderful 24 hours. Sadly no fish to be found but we had fun trying.
“I love the warm fires and candlelights – so romantic. Hope to be back soon, Catherine Middleton.”
William also wrote his own note in the book. The prince penned: “20th-21st October 2010. Such fun to be back! Brought more clothes this time! Looked after so well. Thank you guys! Look forward to next time, soon I hope.”
Africa is believed to hold a special place in Prince William’s heart, which may explain why he decided to ask Kate to marry him in the country.
Before heading to Cape Town last year for The Earthshot Prize, William mentioned how important Africa is to him in a statement.
He wrote: “Africa has always held a special place in my heart – as somewhere I found comfort as a teenager, where I proposed to my wife and most recently as the founding inspiration behind The Earthshot Prize.”