After her split from Prince William, Kate Middleton embraced her party-girl phase, insiders reveal.

Before she became the poised Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton had a wilder side—especially after her brief split from Prince William before their 2011 wedding.

During that time, insiders say Kate fully embraced her social life, proving she was far from heartbroken. Author Simon Sebag Montefiore recounts how socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson witnessed Kate’s party-girl mode firsthand. When asked if she was struggling after the breakup, Kate reportedly shrugged it off, replying, “Really, it’s fine.”

Royal expert Richard Eden also recalls his first impression of Kate during this period.

“At that time, Catherine was seen as a party-loving girlfriend of William, but my first encounter with her taught me that she was a tough cookie. She wasn’t going to be inveigled into saying something she didn’t want to say.”

Eden compared her ability to handle social interactions to that of seasoned royals, praising her skill in engaging with people without revealing anything personal.

Despite the temporary separation, Kate and William later rekindled their romance, transitioning from a carefree couple to a composed royal duo. Observers have noted how their body language evolved—from being completely in sync to more independent and confident in their public appearances.

While Kate’s past party-girl days are long behind her, this glimpse into her life before marriage shows a different side to the Princess—one that was strong, independent, and ready to enjoy life on her own terms.