Inside Kate Middleton's brief 'romance with wealthy heir during Prince William split'

Kate Middleton was spotted with a new, dashing and affluent companion during the time Prince William wasn't ready to commit.

Nowadays, they embody the perfect couple - married joyfully with three gorgeous children. The world can easily see William and Kate's deep affection for one another. Amid Catherines recent health battle with cancer , William has been a pillar of support, showcasing his devotion as her caring spouse.

Yet, in their youth, their story took a different turn. At one point, their fairytale seemed shattered when Prince William terminated their six-year courtship via a phone call. They were at crossroads, with Kate keen on settling down, while William reportedly wanted to relish his freedom and younger years.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton cancer update: Treatment, William's heartache and more as princess shares surprise message

READ MORE: Kate Middleton 'reaches out to Meghan Markle' to 'ease the tension' after huge row

Their early days saw them as friends during their teenage lives. They are popularly thought to have met at St Andrew's University in Edinburgh as teenagers, but according to Robert Jobson's fresh book, Catherine, the Princess of Wales: The Biography, they actually crossed paths earlier.

Kate was attending Marlborough College, while Prince William was at Eton College, and that's when their friendship began. A senior source connected to the Middletons confided to the author, whose findings were published by the Daily Mail , that the two had ample opportunity to mingle, saying, "There was plenty of socialising [between pupils at both schools] back then, and they were known to each other," adding, "I understand he invited her on a few things."

Once they arrived at St Andrews, they found themselves in the same halls of residence but were initially involved with other people. However, they soon began to enjoy each other's company and spend more time together.

William once reminisced: "We were friends for over a year first and it just sort of blossomed from then on. We just spent more time with each other, had a good giggle, had lots of fun and realised we shared the same interests and just had a really good time."

The infamous student charity show in 2002, where Kate walked down a catwalk in a see-through black dress, is said to have turned William's head and made him see Kate in a new light. In their second year of university, they lived with two other students in a house. Although they claimed to be just friends, it was widely believed that they were a couple.

Their romance blossomed and by 2003, it was being reported in the media. After living together for the last two years at university, with one brief split during that time, William introduced Kate's parents, Carole and Micheal Middleton, to the Queen. This seemed to solidify their future and was a clear indication of how serious their relationship had become.

In 2007, amidst constant Royal wedding buzz, Prince William reportedly got cold feet and phoned his girlfriend to suggest they take some 'space' to "find their own way". Devastated yet determined, she didn't waste time wallowing over the collapse of her princess dreams.

Instead, she whisked herself away to Ibiza with a pal and upon her London return, was frequently spotted out with sister Pippa Middleton, donning far edgier ensembles than ever before.

READ MORE: Blake Lively was 'begged' to cut 'heavy' song from It Ends With Us but she refused

READ MORE: Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor begged to join General Hospital before starring in five episodes

During this solo streak, rumors swirled that she briefly dated dashing, affluent shipping heir Sir Henry Ropner, after they were seen together. Ropner, whose family boasts a £33.7million shipping business, was not just any suitor; he was an Eton schoolmate of William's, which might have stung the prince.

Reflecting on their breakup, Kate has acknowledged its significance for her personal development, admitting, "I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you're younger," and adding, "I really valued that time for me."

Kate's brief break from Prince William and her fleeting romance with Henry turned out to be a mere blip in their love story. They rekindled their relationship soon after, thanks to a costume party that reignited their spark.

"She'd arrived dressed as a nurse and William had made a beeline for her," shares Royal author Jobson. "They then spent the first part of the evening deep in conversation before hitting the dance floor, where they ended up kissing. When friends joked they should get a room, they sloped off together."

Fast forward to April 2011, and the couple sealed their love with a lavish wedding at Westminster Abbey, enchanting millions across the globe. Meanwhile, Henry found his happily ever after with Natasha Sinclair, settling down in Yorkshire with their children.