Why did Prince William take so long to propose to Kate Middleton?

A creatively planned marriage proposal can add a unique touch to a couple’s love story, and for Prince William and Kate Middleton, their proposal was no exception. The Prince of Wales proposed to his now-wife in the beautiful, exotic setting of Kenya—a place that would forever hold a special place in their hearts.

While the exact moment their romance began is unclear, as they met at the University of St. Andrews in 2001, what is certain is that Prince William took his time before proposing to Kate. After nearly a decade of dating, he finally popped the question in 2010, and the couple announced their engagement on November 16 of that year.

Many have wondered why it took Prince William so long to propose. According to *The Mirror*, William was acutely aware of the pressures that come with marrying into the royal family. He wanted to give Kate a chance to reconsider if she wasn’t ready for the demands of royal life. In an interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby in 2010, William shared, “I wanted to give her a chance to see in and to back out if she needed to before it all got too much.” He went on to say he was learning from the past and wanted to give Kate the “best chance to settle in and see what happens on the other side.”

The proposal itself took place during a trip to Kenya, at a wildlife reserve’s cabin hut situated about 10,500 feet above sea level—an idyllic and breathtaking location that provided the perfect backdrop for such a momentous occasion. William explained in his interview that he and Kate had been discussing marriage for some time, and when the right moment came, he “just decided” it was time to ask.

In an article for *People* magazine, Prince William later reflected on the significance of Kenya in his life. He explained that Africa had always been a meaningful place for him, not only because of his proposal but also because it was where he found comfort as a teenager. It was also the inspiration behind his environmental initiative, The Earthshot Prize. He said, “Africa has always held a special place in my heart—where I found comfort as a teenager, where I proposed to my wife and, most recently, as the founding inspiration behind The Earthshot Prize.”

After their engagement, the royal couple tied the knot on April 29, 2011, and now share three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.