Prince William and Kate Middleton dated for 10 years before they tied the knot in 2011.

Even though it took the royal couple a long time to seal the deal, Prince William was already set on marrying his longtime girlfriend.

In fact, after they graduated from St. Andrew’s University in 2005, the Duke of Cambridge gave Middleton a ring that was adorned with their birthstones.

While speaking with Express, Eddie LeVian, the CEO of LeVian, said that the touching gesture meant that Prince William wanted Middleton to be the future queen of the United Kingdom.

The Victorian rose gold band encrusted with pearls and garnets may have been understated in style but it reportedly had a hidden meaning.

“This was a milestone marking her own achievements but also a day which put her on the threshold of a new chapter in her life together with William beyond university. The ring is adorned with both Kate and William’s birthstones, in a celebration of their bond and the beginning of their intertwined destiny,” he said.

LeVian also talked about Prince William and Middleton’s birthstones, which are pearls and garnets, respectively. He said that pearls symbolize love, purity, humility, and innocence. Garnets, on the other hand, signify protection and are thought to promote mental clarity and confidence.

By the looks of it, Middleton loved the ring that Prince William gave to her since she wore it during their graduation. But just two years earlier, the royal couple went through a rough patch in their relationship.

In 2003, Prince William and Middleton broke up for the first time. According to sources, the Duke of Cambridge wanted to explore his options after feeling claustrophobic in their relationship.

Four years later, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge split for the second time after rumors swirled that Prince William was planning to propose to his girlfriend. But on both occasions, the royal couple found their way back to each other again.

During their first joint interview as an engaged couple, Prince William and Middleton talked about their split.

The future queen said that at the time of their break up, she was obviously upset. But she soon realized that the split had to happen because it made her a stronger person.

Prince William also credited his split from Middleton as his way of finding himself.

Since their wedding in 2011, Prince William and Middleton have stayed together.