The Worst Gift Prince William Ever Got Kate Middleton

It's common knowledge that even the most compatible couples have their missteps from time to time. And when it's earlier on in the relationship –  during the phase in which significant others are first getting to know each other — chances of those missteps are even higher. Unsurprisingly, the same holds true for celebrities and even heirs apparent once removed.

Case in point? In a July 2020 interview, Prince William told his fans and followers about a gift that he got for his then-future wife, Kate Middleton – you might have heard of her? — during the early days of their courtship that evoked a cringe-inducing response. 

So what was the worst gift Prince William ever got Kate Middleton? And what exactly was her response? Could it have been enough to end their relationship before it began? The answer might charm you as equally as it makes you wince ... or not.

On a July 2020 episode of BBC Radio Five Live's That Peter Crouch Podcast recorded specially from Prince William's home at Kensington Palace, William admitted his gifting gaffe. During the interview with host Peter Crouch — which William primarily appeared on to discuss his philanthropic endeavor and sports-related mental health initiative Heads Up — William revealed the identity of the curséd token: a pair of binoculars.

"That was early on in the courtship that was. I wrapped them. They were really nice," William explained (via People). "I was trying to convince myself about it. I was like, 'But these are really amazing, look how far you can see!'"

Unfortunately (albeit fairly, considering not everyone is necessarily a binoculars enthusiast), like the famed Shania Twain verse, Kate Middleton was not impressed much. "She was looking at me going, 'They're binoculars, what's going on?' It didn't go well." He then added: "Honestly, I have no idea why I bought her a pair of binoculars."

Good question — why binoculars? Considering William's interview was conducted on a sports-related podcast — or, specifically, a soccer-related podcast — with ex-English footballer Peter Crouch, chances are the binoculars were meant for sporting spectator purposes. And considering the Duchess of Cambridge's penchant for athletics, it's not entirely off-base, but, regardless, we're glad William got it right the next time around.