Prince William has reminisced about his proposal to Princess Kate as he returns to Africa ahead of the Earthshot Prize, a continent that has a “special place” in his heart.
Having first met at the University of St Andrews in 2001, and having known each other for nearly 10 years, the much-anticipated question arose while the couple were on a trip to Kenya, Africa in 2010 – which led to a surprising and kind response from the Princess-to-be.
During the holiday, the couple toured Kenya before settling at a lodge on Lake Rutundu. It was there that William found the perfect setting to ask the long-awaited question, reports the Mirror.
According to the royal author, Katie Nicholl, the pair spent the day unsuccessfully attempting to fish for rainbow trout before returning to their log cabin, and it was revealed that Prince William kneeled, proposed to Kate on a veranda, and popped the question.
Following the proposal, Kate decided to leave a touching message in the guest book of their holiday lodge, to commemorate the significant and romantic moment before departing.
She penned a heartfelt comment: “Thank you for such a wonderful 24 hours!”
She added: “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 added his own note, writing: “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.”
News of their engagement remained quiet until the couple officially announced their engagement on November 16, 2010.
Soon after the couple announced their engagement, the now Prince and Princess of Wales sat down for their first-ever joint interview on ITV, with Kate wearing the late Princess Diana’s 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
“It was a total shock when it came,” Kate said. “There’s a true romantic in there.”
William added: “As every guy out there will know, it takes a certain amount of motivation to get yourself going. So I was planning it and then it just felt really right out in Africa. It was beautiful.”
Speaking of his late mother, Prince William said: “Obviously, she’s not going be around to share in all the fun and excitement, so this is my way of keeping her close to it all.”
Ahead of Prince William’s arrival in Africa ahead of The Earthshot Prize, in a touching social media post, Prince William mentioned Africa being the “special place” where he “proposed” to Kate, and it being the “founding inspiration” behind finding positive solutions to environmental problems.
The future King will begin his four-day trip to South Africa on Monday, where he will meet young African environmentalists and the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphos and the 2024 awards will take place on November 6, 2024.
