William And Kate's Engagement 'Surprised' This Royal Family Member, Expert Claims

Prince William and Kate Middleton are one of the world's most beloved couples. They are currently preparing for an important milestone — Kate's 40th birthday on January 9. Unfortunately, a big celebration is out of the question due to the surge in coronavirus cases, but sources close to Kate say she definitely wants to honor the day nonetheless, according to Style Caster. This may just consist of her spending the day with her husband and children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as she did for her 39th birthday.

In April 2021, the duo celebrated yet another important milestone — an entire decade of marriage — and decided to mark the special occasion with a photoshoot, per Town & Country. Two portraits taken at Kensington Palace clearly show the love that exists between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In the first snap, the couple holds hands, while in the second, they share an adorable embrace. Kate's gorgeous engagement ring, made of sapphire, was also a highlight of the shoot. In a Twitter post to thank their fans for the love and support they've received over the years, the couple released a rare video of their family enjoying time together in nature.

However, in her new book, "Kate: The Future Queen," royal expert Katie Nicholl revealed previously unknown information surrounding Willam and Kate's engagement announcement and how their news was received by various members of the family. One member, in particular, was "surprised" when they found out.

When Prince William and Kate Middleton got engaged in 2010, the heir to the British throne wanted to be the one to announce the news to the world himself and was worried that a newspaper outlet would ruin his chances of doing so, royal expert Katie Nicholl revealed in her book, "Kate: The Future Queen" (per Mirror UK). To ensure this would not happen, William waited until the day of the announcement to tell the rest of the royal family, which included formally asking the queen for consent. When she received his phone call, she was reportedly "a little surprised at the suddenness of the announcement." Despite this, Queen Elizabeth was "thrilled" for her grandson. The royal family's staff hurriedly put together the announcement, which included a photoshoot in front of Buckingham Palace, during which Kate flaunted her engagement ring. 

Following the photoshoot, the newly engaged couple sat down for their engagement interview, which is still fondly remembered to this day. It seems that Queen Elizabeth was not the only one who was surprised by Prince William. The Duchess of Cambridge was also shocked when William pulled out a ring and asked her to marry him. During the interview, she stated, "I really didn't expect it at all ... and I'm very excited." The moment was also bittersweet because the engagement ring had belonged to the Duke of Cambridge's late mother, Princess Diana.