In April 2007, royal watchers were shocked to learn that Prince William had split with his girlfriend Kate Middleton.

The couple, who had been together for around five years at that time, decided to take some time apart – and as all eyes were on the on-off couple, many missed the iconic noughties outfits sported by Catherine’s mother Carole.

Rumours at the time of the split suggested that the now-Princess of Wales was struggling with the intense media scrutiny.

However, the couple discussed their time apart during their engagement interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby.

According to William, the break – which lasted from April until June 2007 – simply offered the couple ‘a bit of space’.

He explained: ‘We did split up for a bit, but that was just, we were both very young, it was at university, and we were both sort of defining ourselves as such and being different characters and stuff.’

Discussing her own perspective on their time apart, Catherine added: ‘It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up.

‘I at the time wasn’t very happy about it, but actually it made me a stronger person. You find out things about yourself that maybe you hadn’t realised.

Carole Middleton and daughter Kate pictured in December 2005 in London

‘I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you’re younger, and I really valued that time for me, as well.’

By July 2007, the couple had still not confirmed to the public that their relationship was back on – but there was a hint that they may be seeing each other again.

That month, the Middleton family joined Catherine as she attended the Concert for Diana to support Prince William.

Unsurprisingly, all eyes were on William and Catherine, with royal watchers trying to work out if they had rekindled their romance,

But they were so taken by watching the young couple, that they failed to notice Catherine’s mother Carole’s iconic noughties outfit.

Her ensemble for that outing featured a camisole top in white, with a long black skirt, the low-slung belt that was a major fashion accessory at the time, a brown suede jacket, and a slouchy cream bag.

And it wasn’t the only fashionable ensemble the future queen’s mother was seen sporting during the early years of Catherine and William’s relationship.

In August 2005, Carole was snapped with her daughter while attending the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park on August 6, 2005 in Stroud.

Carole is pictured attending the Concert for Diana at Wembley in July 2007 – when Catherine and Prince William are believed to have reunited following a short split

The stylish Mrs Middleton was seen sporting slim fit pale blue jeans, which – as was fashionable at the time – were a low-rise fit.

She accessorised with a low-slung brown belt with a gold buckle.

Carole completed the look with a white long-sleeved top, paired with a cream gilet, dark green wellies, and a cream handbag.

Later that year, the mother-daughter duo were once again seen looking fashionable when they attended The Spirit Of Christmas Shopping Festival At London’s Olympia in 2005.

Catherine wore a cropped pale blue blazer with the bootcut jeans that epitomised the style of the era.

And Carole opted for an equally contemporary ensemble. She also donned bootcut jeans, pairing them with pointed black boots, and a coordinating black blazer.

Prince William reportedly did not feel ready to commit to Catherine after several years together, and initiated their split during a 30-minute phone call in April 2007.

As was the style at the time, during the noughties, Carole Middleton (pictured in August 2005) often opted for fashion garb, including low-slung jeans and statement belts

However, according to Robert Jobson, who wrote a biography of Catherine, her female friends helped her get back on her feet. 

Writing in Catherine, the Princess of Wales: The Biography, Mr Jobson said: ‘Gone were the frumpy tweeds as she stepped out in a slinky off-the-shoulder top and silky skirt, with a bare midriff and caramel tan.

Catherine was soon snapped leaving the trendiest clubs and bars with her sister, Pippa Middleton.

Tatler magazine dubbed them the Sizzler Sisters – and photographs of them filled the newspapers, making it difficult for William to ignore.

After the two enjoyed some time apart, they reunited, before getting engaged in October 2010.

Following their April 2011 wedding, and the birth of their three children, they are now considered to be a strong and committed couple.