How Prince William and Kate Middleton's love story on the skiing slopes became a royal affair
The pair have become one of the most beloved royal couples
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s fairytale romance has captivated the world for over two decades, however, few remember that their relationship was first thrust into the spotlight during a skiing trip in Switzerland.
It was a chance paparazzi shot during a ski trip that not only confirmed their budding love but also ignited a fierce clash between the royal family and the British press.
The now-iconic photo appeared on The Sun’s front page on in April 2004. It showed a young Prince William lovingly gazing at Kate Middleton as they boarded a ski lift at the Swiss resort of Klosters.
This image became the public’s first glimpse of what would grow into a royal love story for the ages.
Photo of William and Kate skiing in 2004
Prince William and Kate Middleton first crossed paths in 2001 at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
Although they started as friends, their relationship blossomed over time. The two reportedly began dating in 2003.
But it wasn’t until that fateful ski trip to Klosters in 2004 that the world seemingly got its first official confirmation.
The headline on The Sun’s front page declared, “Finally… Wills Gets a Girl”, alongside photos of the couple laughing and enjoying each other’s company on the slopes.
The picturesque Swiss Alps served as the perfect backdrop for the young couple’s debut, even though it was a reveal neither of them had planned.
Meanwhile, the royal family was anything but pleased with the unauthorised coverage. Prince William reportedly felt “unhappy and disappointed” over the published photos.
One of William’s girlfriends could become queen one day.
Buckingham Palace accused The Sun of breaching a long-standing media agreement designed to protect Prince William’s privacy during his time at university.
The palace swiftly imposed a temporary ban on The Sun, preventing its photographers from covering royal events involving Prince William and his brother Prince Harry. Palace officials also refused to confirm or deny the relationship, but the images spoke for themselves.
At the time, the BBC reported that The Sun defended its decision. “There is a strong public interest in publishing these delightful photographs,” a spokesperson at the time said. “One of William’s girlfriends could become queen one day. Her subjects will be entitled to know all about her.”
Despite the backlash, the moment marked a significant turning point, effectively cementing Kate Middleton as Prince William’s first “serious girlfriend” in the eyes of the public.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s love story
The photographer who captured the moment has never publicly commented. However, reports identified him as a seasoned British paparazzi who had previously photographed Princess Diana.
His candid shot of William and Kate would go on to become one of the most iconic royal photographs of the decade.
The incident also reignited the long-standing tension between the royal family and the British press, particularly around the ethics of covering the personal lives of public figures.
Despite the rocky media introduction, William and Kate’s relationship only grew stronger in the years that followed.
The couple continued to navigate life under intense public scrutiny, with Kate gradually transitioning into royal life even before her 2010 engagement to Prince William.
Their wedding in April 2011 was watched by millions around the world. Since then, the couple has become a cornerstone of the monarchy, raising three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, – while maintaining a strong and steady presence in royal duties.
William and Kate’s debut on the slopes has become a moment that perfectly captures the beginning of a royal love story.
Read more: Princess Kate and Prince William set for joint engagement following family break
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