I'm not used to give nosey suggestions on other people's private life, but I read on Italian newspaper Prince William decision has been piloted by the "Palace".
If this is true, I've got something to say to both of you:
- William, we are the same aged and I used to admire you, but now I'm deceived. I'm afraid this behaviour is going to make you a coward King, so I urge you not to subdue to the reason of State: don't crawl, you've got a spine!
- My darling Kate, I won't remind you you are better than those phony people (I know you know that); you deserve much more! You are the most sweet-smelling flower I've ever seen and your smile... I have no words to describe it.
I wish you all the best indeed, all the happiness for your life. And yes - I admit - I would really like to meet you one day, it's worth the trouble. God bless you Kate!

Eugenio, Milan, Italy

The break up of Price William and Kate Middleton has dominated the headlines over the past couple of weeks But do we really care? Not only does the extensive coverage of this story highlight the unnecessary invasion of privacy by the press, it insults me that this is the sort of intrusive story that we, the public, are believed to find most significant these days. I think its fair enough to publish the story as they would any other, however, for this story to conquer the front page of every news paper and another 5 pages within the publications, I find this unjustified.

Eileen, Morpeth, UK

I Think They Are Way Too Young To Marry

marie, essex, ontario

I think they should come together and live happily ever after. Some compromises could be taken in life if the essence is preserved. But, then what do I know, I had only one girlfriend in my life.

Robert Jurjevic, London, England

i do feel sorry for kate middleton, any break up is hard, and her public appearence was very down to earth (something that a royal wife would probably need in order to cope with the strains of such a public life). However, she was his first serious girlfriend and in all honesty, im sure he will fall in love with many more women before he settles down with the right one (maybe even you jane anderson from new york)! Also, why keep bringing princess diana and charles in to the debate? as any other father and son, im sure they are very very different people, with very different personalities!

anon, worcester, uk

Kate- I am sure you will find someone BETTER than William as after all he is his father's son!

Ken, London, UK

Who cares, for God's sake? What a lot of saddos!

Carol Parsons, Rochechouart, France

I do not think it is particularly shocking that a couple in their mid-twenties have broken up, and I dont think anyone apart from the people in the relationship and qualified to comment on the reasons for the break up! I also dont think you can compare Kate with Diana. Diana was extremely young and very naive when she married Charles and she probably had no idea what life would be like. Kate is obviously much more aware, having already had significant media intrusion into her life, and with the media's constant references and reexamination of Diana's time as a Royal. I cannot imagine being subjected to the media circus that involves the Royals and think that the woman that William does eventually marry will have to love him a great deal to consider becoming part of that.

Katie, Exeter, UK

Regarding those who have publicly commented about Mrs Middleton not "being posh enough", how common are they? Such bad manners and so inconsiderate. Hardly the mark of good breeding! They have nothing to be proud of in making such snide comments. One hopes the Prince could make up his own mind and not rely on their counsel. It would be worthless!
Kate Middleton, has had a lucky escape from such immature, hooray harry-types. Her parents have successfully raised an intelligent, poised and charming daughter; all while staying married and building successful careers. They should be extremely proud. They have apparently achieved far more than those who see fit to criticise. And no, we are not related!

Yvette Middleton, Sydney, Australia

I think that it is disgusting that the media circus is so concerned with a young couple and their break up. This could be the hardest thing that they both have to get over and the constant press coverage and harassment will make it all the more difficult.

As for the next Diana comments where did they come from? Has kate played up to the media? This obsession is out of proportion.

The media should not intrude in either of their lives and let them be to find new loves of their own. It is hard to accept that so many broadsheet newspapers have stooped to this level.

Micky Bickford-Smith, London,

As far as I am aware,neither William nor kate has ever said a word about their relationship.People seem to be basing their opinions on press reports which purport to base their accounts on a "mutual friend" or a "source close to the Prince/Kate"Do your contributors not realise that this is the well-known press subterfuge of making up stories and then attributing them to non-existent sources.The 'source" is the Reporter himself!

Robert, dubai, UAE

celebrity's affection always short

shingo, beijing, china

prince who ..... uh uh uh annd.. kate what ... go on with your life. you are still young. EXPERIENCE WILL BE YOUR BEST TEACHER. what's on the news menu????

chow

Isaac, Joburg, South Africa

I have just opened an Insurance agency for the divorced. Any takes???

Firozali A Mulla MBA PhD, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania

In a nutshell, Kate deserves better. Remember how Princess Diana ended up after marrying into royalty.

Bruce, Sometown, Somecountry

Prince William is a spoilt brat who is going the way of the Royals before him - a shame as I imagined he had a lot of his mother's compassion. He is entitled to play the field - but he now gives the impression that he is God's gift to women. Poor little rich boy. Good luck to Kate - and what a lucky escape

Maryann goble, Wellington, New Zealand

She is pretty and discreet and very dignified and William needs his head tested. He must realise that Kate's biological clock will be ticking and she will be expected to produce an heir and therefore marriage should be now not when they are in their 30s. He will end up like his father marrying for duty and a much younger woman than himself in order to produce children. He will probably regret this move profoundly in later years and poor Kate will be the third person in another marriage.

Joan, Bedford, UK

Prince William is an over indulged person, who has decided the grass is greener on the other side.

I wish Kate well and hope that she does not disappear from view.

Anna, Hampshire,

I am really sorry for this split. Kate was just perfect for William. He will regret it.

mandy, marbella, Spain

Why don't you all just find something more interesting to do than debate two young people in the public eye who have just split up. It happens ever day, to millions of couples, JUST GET OVER IT!

Moanalot, London, UK

What happened to the 5 years too early headline and mention of this in the report. Good to see you changed it after my comments.

Des, Handsworth, UK

WHO CARES????????????????????????????????

Are these people, especially the people born under the title, royalty, any better than you or me? Of course not, so why give them special coverage?

There are way too many other things going on in this world that are more important for all of us to think about!

Sue, Wakefield, UK

I do not pay eccessive attention but i do think that they made a good couple, and its a shame things didnt work out, especially after so much time. I do feel that its a poor show that role models to many people did not try and work through difficulties. what kind of example does it set? at least it was done before marriage however.

Dan Cudlipp, Nottinghamshire,

Am I bovvered?

dee, London,

I am so sorry that this young couple cannot have a relationship without the rest of the world looking on.........I do feel the press has hurt both of them. I also think that William's nightclub photos with another lady was damaging to the couple, and should have never been published. My hopes that both will be left alone to heal and that they will find happiness, whether with each other at a later date, or with others....my wish is true happiness for each of them.....

Rebecca, Anchorage, AK

They are young. Just because William is royal - he is still human & when relationships don't work its best to get out of it right away. Whats the rush!

AA, Whitehorse, Canada

Last Christmas, I saw a photograph of Kate and her mother buying gifts in a store. For some unknown reason, I had a clear impression that Kate would never be allowed to marry William... just one of those quick, fleeting, intuitive thoughts, that's all.
Today, I consider Kate to be fortunate. She is a lovely girl and deserved better treatment.
One online article asked the question "is Kate too common?".... No, not in my opinion. Kate has always behaved perfectly. However, neither Prince William nor Prince Harry's behavior at times is what we expect from Royal Princes. Also, let us not forget the horrors that Princess Diana suffered via "the men in gray' and her feeling of isolation. No one wants to see a repeat of the Charles/Camilla fiasco. Kate should thank her lucky stars and move on. She has every reason to look forward and not back.

Rowan, Santa Maria, California USA

I have no idea whether or not Mrs Middleton is posh. I would like to
know however why chewing gum is so much less posh than behaving
like chavvy yobs in night clubs as both the young princes frequently do.
It seems they can behave as disgracefully as they like without being
labelled common.
In my view being posh or common is not just who you are but how you
behave.

janet, Truro, UK

The pressure on the Middleton family must be immense and I would think William should show some maturity and make a statement to help diffuse the situation. As the future heir to the crown, he should not forget that most of his loyal subjects are commoners! If he wants things kept private, then act in a private manner. It seems it would be wrong to say he possesses maturity beyond his years. Time to start showing some regal behaviours that might be expected as a future King.

Jay Tweeter, Brisbane, Australia

Any break up is hard ....... but for Kate this has to be a bit of a nightmare time, regardless of who eventually brought about the split.

But she needs to step well back now and not continue in an unofficial fashion to be the support she has been to William in the past.

She really needs to make sure that the next "Diana" doesn't become the next "Camila"!

Di, Dublin, Ireland

it's a destined result !

Baron, Henan, China

I personally think Willam is right to break with Kate, since he still has a long way to go before finishing army service,besides he cannot promise Kate definite bright future, given he is now only a student!

Baron, Henan, China

William has been regarded as the one person who could restore the reputation of the monarchy. If William thinks it is appropriate for the future king and head of the armed forces to put himself into situations where he can be phtographed and reported as he has been recently, then what hope is there that the monarchy has a future. Sure, many of the media stories are inaccurate but we have not been getting stories of Kate's inappropriate behaviour.

Susan Long, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I am extremely sorry for Kate. The problem with royals is that they think they are above everything and everyone. Separation after 5 years of togetherness is painful for a young woman. I am wonder if he was just tired of being in a relationship and felt free once in the Army. It must be awful finding out that the person who one is in love with is going out to clubs in another town, while you are being scrutinized and followed by th press. I think that William is another ignorant, selfish person, that like his father has learned how to play with other people feelings and trust. I hope that this is is the best for both of them, and Kate should think that better to loose him now that to get marry and finding him with a lover. Like Charles and Camila.

En, London, uk

I think Kate's very lucky to get away from the royal family and media now. After the whole "Diana fiasco" who in their right mind would want to be part of that mess?

The monarchy should be dissolved so that the Royals may live normal lives which is probably what they want.

And the media should use their energy covering more important things like climate change and poverty rather than stalking the Royal family and those they associate with.

Michelle, Burlington, Canada

i met my husband when he was at uni in my home townhe was 18 I was 20 we went on to have long separations due to work commitments. We have now been married 36 years
If you are in love you wait and do not care how lng it takes

cat, blackburn,

I am SO glad they broke up!! Now William is free!!! Yahoo!!!!

Jane Anderson, New York, New York

Ms Middleton seems to be complaining that the future King of England is at fault for their break-up for not paying her enough attention; and the distance between them. Where men and women are in competition as equals, as so many of todays young couples are, the relationship is constantly in tension. Although this may offer a stimulating environment for both, it is a wholly unsuitable environment for nurturing and raising children.

A young child needs an unquestionable commitment and loyalty of one parent or a half share from both (the past role of mother at home being the main focus for that commitment). The competition in a modern marriage all too frequently overrides the interests of the children as the spouses compete to offload the responsibility of parenting in order to get ahead of each other. Ms MIddleton makes clear her commitment to her career overrides the interests of the relationship. Williams duties as heir demand a women at his side who understands that.

kate, niagara, canada

Sensible girl.

Nick Birbeck, Florence, Italy

I have not too long ago moved to the south of the US. I've noticed here, especially in the smaller towns, there is less of this idea of couples being "too young" to be together. Many couples I have met have been together since highschool, since they were 15 and 16, and many have gone on to marry. This is in contrast to where I used to live in the north, which teaches everyone to "live life" and play around before they are 30. In my opinion, the people are for the most part happier in their lives and in their relationships here in the south, and are spared the Bridget Jones-like lonliness and scramble to find someone, anyone, later in their lives. Just something for Wills and other young men to think about.

Claudia, Atlanta, USA

Leave them alone.
Is the Media insane?
Start setting standards of judgement, discretion and common sense and start reporting what is important. IE the disastrous state of this government and our declining reputation abroad as result of this Governments misjudgement and ignorance.

John , Lisbon, Portugal

It all reminds me of Prince Charles and Camilla, who should have just married when they were young instead of marrying others and hurting so many people. I hope William isn't repeating his father's mistakes by abandoning his one true love.

L. Lahaug, Manassas, Virginia

This is sad news, but not so suprising. There are many reasons why people come into our lives, and Royals are not exempt from them. What causes the disappointments is that people burden their meetings and new relationships with expectations of permanence, when they were serving different purposes. This expectation, usually by only one party, then kills the connection. Most people come into our lives to either teach us something, to help us out of a crisis, to boost our confidence for the next level of our journey or to be the permanent person we seek. Only time will reveal which they are, but often, through both internal and external pressures (like the media!) such relationships are not given the exploratory time they need crash even quicker. At least the couple had the courage to recognise their problems and call it a day. Who knows, they might yet come back together when they have enjoyed other relationships, are more mature and are able to really appreciate what they had together.

Elaine Sihera, Maidenhead, United Kingdom

They are just another couple that have decided to go seperate ways, all the hype, all the comments are pure conjecture, innuendo and the press celebrating. The couple have decided to act in their own interests and not those of the media world. Good for them, acting in a mature, adult and responsible manner.and disregarding outside pressures.

Jack , London , UK

I think it's a horrible shame! But their private life was never their own and having been a forces wife, it is quite difficult to trundle on alone and make all the decisions and next thing you know, your other half comes home and things can be a bit awkward; especially if your S.O. is the future King of England. Who knows, maybe they'll patch it up. Remember it aint over til the fat lady sings.

Patricia, Victoria, Canada

Too young for marriage, yet not too young to declare his intentions in a more subtle way when the opportunity arose from time to time. What man would not realise how lucky he was to have won the heart of such a beautiful, intelligent, caring and loyal woman? Oh yes, his father!! History repeating itself......thank god Kate had the sense to walk away.

Matt, cheltenham, UK

Let's have a moratorium on all "news" concerning the Royal Family for a period of at least five years.

They will benefit, the British will benefit, the world will benefit.

That this desperately dysfunctional and ultimately meaningless family attracts so much fawning attention says a great deal about the sad state of a lot of people's lives.

RAS, Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA

An awful lot of people seem to have an inside knowledge of the love life of Prince William and Miss Middleton - well, some are on his 'side', some on hers, and all are convinced that there is an emotional tragedy occurring.
A young man and a young woman have been 'going out' for the last four years, but have decided to go their separate ways - so what else is new? All we can say for certain is that a large number of people (mostly in America, by the count ot comments) are disappointed, the media are furious at losing a source of untrue stories, and we shan't have a poor hapless young woman, for the time being, to dub 'our future queen'.
Shouldn't we ask ourselves, is projecting royal dignity on some young woman now the prerogative of the gutter press and the gossip columnists? If Miss Middleton were to be a 'royal', does that mean anything more than taking a leading role in 'Society'?
If she is to be Queen, I should like to think she was my (and everybody's) Queen.

Priscus, Harrow , Middlesex.,

I was of the opinion that William had a South African girl-friend before Miss Middleton?the press have'nt learned anything from the time that Prince Charles and Diana were married,they hounded Diana,and apparantly that displeased Prince Charles no end,he desired the publicity,so maybe the press were giving Miss Middleton too much attention!

olivebranch, brighton.Sussex, uk

My heart goes out to Prince William over this tragic occurrence. His little heart has suffered so much already in his young life and I am not ready for Harry to be in Iraq either. I hope these brothers can pull together and find strength and courage to fulfill their social responsibilities and family obligations in a respectful way to make their mother proud. When it rains it will be Princess Diana's tears flowing from heaven because of the heartache she sees her children suffer.

Professor Etienne, Surrey, UK

Just because they have been going out for many years does not mean they were meant to be together for life! Many relationships begun at uni last, others do not.

I wish both of them all the best, and am thankful that I was neither born into the Royal Family nor going out with anyone who was. Trying to make a relationship work can be difficult enough. Doing so under the glare of the media spotlight must be a million times worse.

Joanna, UK,

What sad people there are going by some of the comments made. Get a life folks. The royal family should get on their bikes and leave the rest of us in peace.

Andy, Britain (no longer great), Home

For heaven's sake, look at the manner of William's mother's death and the role the press played in it. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, let alone someone I loved.

And who would marry into it after they got a taste?

Patrick Dimble, Oxford, UK

He is only 24! He needs to live more, experiment, enjoy the challenge and excitement of bachelor life. He has had a good time with Kate and she will always be 'his first girl friend' and fondly remembered. Now it is time for them both to move on.

Carla , Rugeley, UK

i think he will be sorry this break-up came about...and i hope no one else had a hand in this split up....when you find some one that you are deeply in love with, you go forward in that relatonship.....i truely beleive they were ment for each other...she looked like she could handle herself with the media and poparatzzy.....a great couple....i hope they get back together someday real soon......i know his mom would guide him in the right direction if she was here. we all miss her deeply....merry for love and happiness not an arrainged marrage.....

joyce, ann, maine, usa

Sadly, the death of a close friend or relative can lead to a re-evalution of what is most important in life. William has just lost a close friend and army colleague in Joanna Dyer, in Iraq. Perhaps time to recognise that their lives were taking different paths.

l smith, oxford,

I have read some tosh in my time, but some of the comments on here are truly toe curling.
The Monarchy had a function once;it ended a long time ago.William and Harry are both pretty thick,and their father is'nt much better;the girl is well out of it.

Michael Rigby, Blackburn, England

I cannot say I am shocked or disappointed by this news story.

She was his first serious girlfriend, how many people end up marrying their "first love"? Moreover she came across as a smug, social climber who seemed desperate to be Queen! I

I do feel sympathy for the girl, she tailored her whole life around William, from her home to her career. All for a crown! She must be disappointed!

Natasha, Manchester, UK

I am a since we were little kids friend with a prominent Hollywood actor involved in a very highly publicized romance.

I respected his wishes to not reveal anything to the media.

In fact they announced their breakup and to the world they are no longer together but they still are. Just had dinner with them and my husband when they were in town.

They even have friends they take out to cover their tracks.

AS far as William goes happily for him he inherited his mothers looks and his father's brains. The other way would be disastorous.

Steph, Chicago, IL

Last month the Sun published a photo of William with an 18-year-old Brazilian student in a night-club and said he had invited another girl back to his barracks for a night
cap.
That aside, if poor Kate Middleton had ever watched a 1950's film called " The Student Prince " , she would have known what the final outcome would have been with the second in line to the throne .
I hope that she will find a good man who appreciates her and will make her happy.

Elvira, London,

We should leave the two of them to alone to come to terms
with the loss of their relationship and focus our attention on
the poor marketing exec/product buyer for Woolworths who
ordered up all the William and Kate memorabilia- poor bloke
must be sweating cobs! He should keep his head but his
future looks decidedly dodgy.

Eve, Perth, Scotland

I probably shouldn't say it, but Kate seems more level headed than Diana was, but of course the latter was considerably younger when "things started to happen."

Carey, Higbee, MO

It was clear to see at Cheltenham, that Kate enjoyed the day she wasn't with Prince William, far more than the one she was. He really looked like he was neglecting her and quite frankly his behaviour lately has been intentional and quite frankly aimed at getting Kate to call time. Let's hope William realises it's just not going to be easy to find someone who can cope with the level of pressure the press will put on a new relationship. He had time and privacy to build this relationship, but he won't with the next poor girl who he gets involved with. A good move to walk away Kate....bravo!!!

Jane, cheltenham, UK

Oh My, the MEDIA...has won again !!!!!!!!!!!! Why couldn't they just leave William and Kate alone.............was Diana's life not enough to ruin??? ...and PLEASE, I hope to never hear "Queen Camilla".......Kate and William are written in the stars, they will get it back together..................

Linda, Kingsland, USA

Prince William never acknowledged Kate publically. This was a big clue about their relationship.I am surprised that it lasted as long as it did. Good luck to them .

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif USA

He's just a twat like his dad. She's much too good for the British Royal Family. We should have done what the French did.

Bob, Cowes , UK

His parents marital history plays a significant role in what has happened here. He doesn't have the benefit of knowing what a happy marriage looks like. So I think he is scared stiff about getting married, period. Too bad, she was someone worth marrying and I think ultimately he may be sorry. She was stable, smart, beautiful, reliable, committed, totally appropriate, charming, and she LOVED him. He is clearly immature, choosing the guys, booze and the available blonde over someone he has loved and who loves him. I think she is to be commended for having the guts to walk away since he chooses not to put the time and effort into their relationship. Let's just hope he doesn't turn into another Prince Albert of Monaco.

Paula, Marietta, USA

Oh for goodness sake, Prince William is only 24 and you all want him to setlle down. This poor guy is going to be married for alongtime so why have a go at him for wanting to enjoy life whilst he can. Most people nowadays only get married in their 30's so why should he be any different?

As for Kate, perhaps if she whined less about wanting to get married and actually got a real career of her own which occupied her time she would still be the future King of England's girlfriend.

I think William's had a lucky escape. He can play the field and take his pick from virtually every woman in the world. After all he won't be King for a long long time so why not have fun in his 20's.

Stephanie, London, England

What a lot of sad people you are, whose lives seem to revolve round "celebs" like The Prince William and his erstwhile girlfriend (oh! get a dictionary - look up the word!) Poor old "meedja" - who're they gonna pester now, eh?!

What about our poor soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan - why not spend some time on them - much more worthwhile. Now they really are brave men and women.

John S M Roberts, O.B.E., Seaford, England

Who ARE these people?

MNK, San Francisco, California USA

Camilla and Charles, anybody? He - allegedly - failed to commit so she married someone else and the rest is history.Like father,like son?

Gill, Exeter,

No need for deep analysis about royalty, press or children of divorce in this matter. The fact is that co-ed college life and indulgent parents have created a huge population of teenagers that play house during college. After college, the girl often expects to continue on toward marriage, while the guy realizes that he is too young. What was bliss for him in college feels like a trap upon graduation. End of the romance ensues. This is as common as grass.

Clarice, Boston, MA, USA

not at all. the royals are needed as a symbolic figurehead to look up to. re: t.d.smith from glasgow, well you dont have a royal family anymore, because you northerners were always collaborating with the french to overthrow the english monarchy. and every attempt failed, so now all you can do is whine about how they're a waste of taxpayers money.

David Woodhouse, Lowestoft,

Prince William seems to be making the same mistake his father made. Prince Charles left Camilla to devote time to his military duries. When he returned, he found that she had gone on with her life. Had he married her then, it would have saved a lot of heartbreak and wounding to the monarchy.
Kate is a class act--he won't find another as suitable.

Lue, Austin, Travis, TX

Hello from California. Kate may be ready to tie the knot and nest, but it seems clear that Prince William comes from extraordinary circumstances which will always bring to him extraordinary experiences, whatever they may be. That is simply the difference between being raised a "commoner" versus being raised a Royal from birth: completely different worlds exist. In addition, these two met while quite young; it was a true and respectable first love affair, but as a Royal he has so much yet to do in Life. Comparatively, as a commoner, she was not born into the same demands. It's easy to see how their worlds can collide. It reminds me again of how incredible Diana was. Perhaps her 1st son has her in mind as well, not wishing to make the same mistakes or to inflict them upon Kate -- a sign of a good man & also a true leader at heart.

Helen, Northern California,

Could someone explain why the media believe that we readers are unable to consider break-ups of celebs and royals without another tiresome psychologist's interpretation of the grand meaning(s)? They split up, couples do that, maybe it's really over and perhaps not...There's never a single version of truth in these matters of the heart (and pocketbook, let's not forget.)

Jeff, Santa Barbara , USA

How much longer did Prince William expect Kate Middleton to wait? At Christmas, when the world waited expectantly for her to receive a ring, he announced he did not intend to marry until he was at least 30. Looks like he brushed her off. Lots of couples get married while one of them fulfills a military service obligation -- it's not like he was on the other side of the world either. Now the Prince has to make a big decision. Was this the love of his life that he stupidly lost or just a college fling that just fizzled out? If it's the former, then the world will long remember and applaud his strength of character in winning her back.

Jim, Roscoe, USA

It's too bad Prince William and his longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton, have split up. But on the other hand, Kate did wait a very long time for William to propose. William, like his father before him, dithered and dithered, and now he has lost a person who would have been a tremendous asset for him as his wife and future consort. One cannot blame Kate for leaving him, given the circumstances.

It seems the real reason William hasn't proposed to Kate is that he's afraid of making a commitment, probably because of the failure of his parents' marriage, rather than any "military duties" and "intense media scrutiny." The curse of being royal is that a royal simply cannot try to be an ordinary person. They never will be ordinary, period, no matter what they do to try to be ordinary.

Maybe this separation will help William and Kate decide if they're really right for each other. Time will tell. I wish both of them the best of luck.

J. S. C., Maine, USA

What a shame they could have set a new trend in the unhappy saga of the Royals but can you imagine how poor Camilla would have be threatend by a beautiful young girl like Kate we now can look forward to Queen Camilla not Queen Kate I don't buy the they're too young how old was the Queen? The powers that be ie Papa and Cammy have another victory

Maggie, DC EX Pat, USA

According to the media reports - and they sure jumped on this story in a hurry - who got the first lead or who was the big mouth that sold the story of their breakup - so called friends just can't be trusted. Anyhow I do feel sorry for both of them to have to read about what should have been very private. According to press reports it was an amicable agreement and both will go their own ways which is good. He has a career that obviously is intense at this stage and I don't thnk he is following in his fathers footsteps at all - after all this affair has been out in the open from day one and when and if he meets someone else that person will know all about it. Good luck to both of them.

Mary Blumeris, Stamford, Lincs.

who cares that willian and kate have split up? personally i think we should be done with the monarchy in the UK, spend the money on the NHS and city wide task forces to lock up and boot wee neds out of the cities, stop them from vandalising the place. The royals are a right waste of tax payers money. To G.Rex. You have a totally misguided view of a englishman - example of class and nobility, you have your head up your rear end mate. They are examples of hooliganism and sheer arrogance.

t.d.smith, glasgow, uk

It's odd how people who have never met this couple feel qualified to comment on their relationship. The British press and its creepy royal watchers have obviously invested a lot of time collecting gossip and presenting speculation as fact. But breakups happen, it's part of life and growing up. William seems like a sensible chap and 24 is too young to be thinking about marriage,

arnold layne, Boston, usa

Well, I think it's up to them...I mean Kate is a nice girl and William seems like a nice guy but I kind of had a feeling they wouldn't work out.

Jessica, london,

I must say that the media has produced a good story based upon the evidence of a friend and 'sources'. It makes you wonder about the ethics of friends!

Graham Kendrick, Gloucester, United Kingdom

I hear that a William and Charlotte (Monaco) connection is underway...

Hope, Canada, Ottawa

Walking out on kate, amicably or not is a strong sign of an arrogant prince we are likely to have, he is gradually moving in the wrong direction, I am very disappointed, why should seperation be a household word in the palace, Kate would make a fine queen, it is really a shame, i suggest they go back to the drawing table and settle their differences without pride, they are the best couple in the world.

Dorothy, london, united kingdom

To give this article the time of the day and for the tabloids to make this as if it was the end of the world is beyond ridicules.

So what’s the big deal?

People fall in and out of love every day and sometimes more than once in a day.

Ce la vie.

There are many more important things that need addressing and highlighting.

Hewitt, London, UK

I think it says a lot about the intense public scrutiny that William and Kate are under when you look at the places the people writing these comments (no disrespect) are from - He may only be the future king of the UK but people from all over the world are watching his every move.

Becky, UK,

Who cares about them ? Its sad when people split and its about time the Royals and the associated people who hang on to them learned that its a hard life for everyone.

Gary, Leeds, UK Yorkshire

As a beloved Prince of England, unfortunately Prince William does not enjoy the privilege of privacy that a mere commoner would take for granted. The reality is that his private life is, to a greater degree, public. Also, by virtue of being a Prince, many readers may feel that he has a responsibility to set an example to the nation, and perhaps to the world, of regal, royal and princely conduct. Those of us who are, let us say, of a certain age... or of a certain level of breeding, may not feel that princely cohabitation meets that standard. In an age of diminishing standards, when it has become all too common for Royals to be common, many may say: "What the heck! He has as much right to be common as any commoner! why should a Prince be held to any higher standards?" Some of us have wishful dreams of a reversal of decline...of a return to the days of a truly Great Britain, when the English gentleman was an example of class and nobility to the entire world.

Garth Rex, Glen Ellyn, USA

Who knows what the future may hold for both of them, I think it is a good idea for them both to date other people. This will give them a chance to think about what they really want in the future, they may decide to get back together or stay apart. Sometimes a person needs to step outside of a situation to be able to see it clearly. Relationships are hard work, no matter who you are. I wish them both the best of luck.

Una Green, Dublin, Ireland

Let he young princes sow their wild oats. Most of us have had a first love and then it never worked out. My concern is that Prince William may find himself in the saame delema as his father. If Prince Charles had married his dutchess when they were in love in their 20's they might have had much different lives. I wish the young people, Kate and William happiness and success in their future.

Florrie Hightower, Paso Robles, USA Califonia

How very sad having lived through the disaster of his parents marriage - William has decided to follow his fathers terrible example and rather than sieze the moment , dump poor Kate.

What is wrong with the Windsors?

Trevor King

Trevor King, London, England

It is sad, but I feel the real (and hidden) reason was Kate's realization she might be saddled with a pair of brothers with alcohol problems. She is a classy young woman and I wish her well.

sylvia, Long Island, USA/NY

I must say that I saw this coming. It has been obvious that he has been setting her up for a break-up. He made certain she was self-sufficient by insisting she get a job, then allowing her to use their relationship to get a new car, etc. The signs were there. It is what some people do before getting a divorce. I can't understand why people thought this meant commitment. The recent settlement with the tabloid was perhaps the last straw.

He and his family probably grew tired of her whining about media harassment one day and encouraging them the next, then expecting the royal machinery to fight her battles for her. He looked positively miserable when they appeared together at Cheltenhamn!

Anna Reichendt, Gothenburg, Sweden

I've felt really sorry for Miss Middleton after I heard of her split with HRH Prince William. Nevertheless, I think it will be a great chance for him to realise how difficult it will be for his next (in the case it comes) girlfriend to cope with the harsh press harassment and media constant attention. My question is, is he then one of the world's most eligible bachelors, taking into account what marrying would imply for his bride? I'm sure if wondeful Diana could answer, she'd simply advise every girl to keep away from him (however hard it sounds), for becoming Wills' wife, and therefore the future Princess of Wales, and maybe Queen of England, won't be an easy job whatsoever. Theirs isn't a private life, no matter what Clarence House has said... Good luck Kate!

Paulo Duomo, Oviedo, Spain

they were so good together....kate would really be a good queen....the point of making the relationship stronger is to argue sometimes....not to be sweety sweet always....if you guys have a problem face each other and talk about it not to just keep quiet Prince William ever reads this please work it out with kate!

I hope it works becuase technically the whole world things that Kate will be a very good queen.. So please work it out.....

Wish you good luck!!! You will be the best king....

amylia, Selangor, Malaysia

William has got his life priorities seriously wrong if he is going to give up on a girl like Kate Middleton just like that.

Michael, Bath, England

I' m sorry for Prince William. He is so nice and this girl is also so nice

Mary, Town,

I feel so bad for Prince William and Prince Harry. What a horrible life they were born into, and losing their mother at such a young age. The world should leave them alone and let them find their own way, nad make their own mistakes in life and love, as we all have. How many of us could withstand worldwide scrutiny at such a young age? I wish them both well, with a life of happiness and love. Everyone deserves that, even princes and kings.

jaimie berendsen, singapore, singapore