Matt James & Rachel Kirkconnell Split: What Went Wrong? (except)

As Bachelor Nation awaits Rachel Kirkconnell to break her silence on the divorce Matt Jamesthe source gives Us Weekly exclusive insight into their relationship.

“The divorce may seem sudden, but it has been happening for some time. It was a long time,” says the source. “Matt just couldn't trust her.”

James, 33, and Kirkconnell, 28, met on season 25 Bachelor, choosing a date after the show instead of getting engaged. While they short separated In the spring of 2021, they were together again. James announced on Thursday, January 16 that he had left the show.

According to a source, the duo was struggling with trust issues. “Rachel had a hard time trusting him,” says the source We.

However, “Rachel really wanted to get married and settle down, and they weren't on the same page,” the source continues. “She felt like she was waiting around and he would never give her what she wanted.”

Although “they're both very upset” about the split, according to a source, Kirkconnell is “ready to move on” and knows “it's for the best.”

During their four-year relationship, James and Kirkconnell were often asked about plans to take the next step. Just weeks before the split, Kirkconnell reached out to fans via Instagram asking about the proposal, joking she would pop the question to James “next Thursday”. Last June, James said We that he intended to marry Kirkconnell.

“We're doing great. I think when you feel pressure, you don't want to do something,” he said We at that time. “So I've never felt pressure (to get engaged) because it's something I've always wanted to do. It's something we're going to do at some point. That's why we're together and what we're working towards. I'm excited about our future.”

The two have also been very active on social media over the years, with James posting videos from their recent trip to London as recently as Wednesday, January 15. As a result, his divorce announcement came as a shock to many fans. (We pointed out that James often posts his travel content about the delay, so it's likely the pair are no longer overseas together, but they haven't confirmed when their trip took place.)

“Father God, give Rachel and I the strength to mend our broken hearts,” James wrote Thursday. “Give us peace about this decision to end our relationship, which is beyond worldly understanding. Surround our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from You, Lord 💔.

While some fans questioned the religious tone of the post, James has been open about his faith in the past, even starting his Bachelor journey with a prayer. Kirkconnell has been tagged in a statement that was written along with a photo from their season of the ABC show, but has not shared the post. She later “liked” a comment on her page that hinted at James or his divorce the announcement blacked him out. We realizes that he was surprised by the news, not the actual divorce itself.

“The more I think about it, the more I think he blindsided her with this one,” the comment read. “Give her mercy and let her answer in her own time.”

Us Weekly has contacted James and Kirkconnell for comment.