A secret royal marriage deal was the real reason behind Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton's split, it has been reported. The couple allegedly reassessed their relationship when they discovered their future was being decided for them, with their engagement talked about as a "done deal."
According to reports, Queen Elizabeth was eager for the pair to wed, as it would help improve the public face of the royal family.
A royal source told Britain's Grazia magazine: "It was felt in royal circles that the time had come for the couple to get engaged and that it should be announced immediately after the Diana Memorial Concert in July, so the family could capitalize on the goodwill."
Kate was said to have felt very "uncomfortable" with the way William's family were getting involved with her love life.
The source added: "It must have given Kate a glimpse of what her future would hold if she became a member of the royal family and had to abide by its protocol.
"She told William she was incredibly uncomfortable about the way the whole thing was being decided for them."
William also had second thoughts when his grandmother, the queen, made it clear she would not tolerate another divorce - like between William's father, Prince Charles, and mother, the late Princess Diana.
Another source revealed: "The queen was adamant that if he wasn't sure about a future with Kate, he had to get out.
"She made it abundantly clear that she would not tolerate another divorce in the family. Both the queen and Prince Philip told William they did not want another 'Diana situation' - so if he wasn't sure, then he had no choice but to end it."
William and Kate - who had been dating for four years - officially announced their separation just over a week ago.
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