The Princess of Wales revealed that she felt “humiliated” during a difficult period in her relationship with Prince William, who was seen socializing with other girls in clubs while they were on a break.

The couple, now parents of three, has inspired the nation with their love story since meeting at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. However, like many couples, they faced ups and downs, experiencing multiple breakups before ultimately tying the knot.

They reportedly split in 2004 and again in 2007, with the latter leaving Catherine “desperately upset.” When asked about the break during their engagement interview, William mentioned they needed to “find their own way” and “grow up,” but provided few details.

Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl reported in 2007 that their second breakup occurred because William felt the “fun” had faded from their relationship, leaving Kate feeling “humiliated” as he was spotted at various London nightclubs with other girls after their split.

Speaking at the time, friends of Kate claimed harsh words were exchanged by the pair as a result and Kate felt that William was “cheapening her image” with his antics. One of Kate’s friends told the publication that Kate warned William about his behaviour and it was the first time in four years she had ever spoken to him that way.

“Kate told William that he was making her look bad,” one of her friends explained. “She has coped for years with girls flinging themselves at her boyfriend and for a while, she found it humorous and even flattering. But after his recent behaviour she gave him an ultimatum and told him that over the time he behaved like that in public, he was cheapening her image as well as his own.

“She told him she wasn’t prepared to be treated like a doormat and that his carefree behaviour was affecting her image. In the past, she had always let go of things like that, but this really bothered her.”

Clearly, her words had an impact and the pair soon reconciled, being spotted together just three months later. They went on to date for several more years before getting engaged in 2010. They then wed in a lavish fairytale ceremony at Westminster Abbey in 2011 and they now share three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.