In pictures: Prince William and Kate Middleton as young love birds before fairytale wedding
William and Kate dated for almost a decade before their 2010 engagement
A young Prince William and Kate Middleton captured the world’s attention with a love story that began in the halls of university and unfolded into a modern royal fairytale.
Before they became the future King and Queen of England, three children and countless royal engagements, Prince William and Kate Middleton were just two university students navigating love, long-distance, and the occasional paparazzi storm.
Their romance captivated a generation, not just because of William’s royal title, but because it felt sincere, steady, and relatable.
From their humble university beginnings to glamorous public appearances and even a brief breakup, we take a nostalgic trip back in time to revisit Prince William and Kate Middleton as young sweethearts.
St Andrews University – 2001
Prince William and Kate Middleton first crossed paths in 2001 at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where they were both studying art history.
Their friendship began early on. However, it wasn’t until 2002, when Kate famously walked the runway in a sheer black dress during a charity fashion show, that William reportedly saw her in a new light.
By 2003, their connection had deepened into romance. Fast forward to 23 June 2005, and the pair looked every bit the proud graduates on the day of their St Andrews commencement ceremony.
Eton College football match – 2006
During an old boys’ football match at Eton College, Kate Middleton and her sister Pippa showed up to support Prince William. He was photographed smiling as he greeted them from the sidelines.
Night out in London – 2007
Before the titles and royal duties, William and Kate were just a young couple enjoying London nightlife.
In this throwback from 2007, they were spotted leaving Boujis nightclub in South Kensington, looking like any other pair of 20-somethings out on the town.
Read more: 8 times Kate Middleton defiantly shut down divorce rumours
Breakup – 2007
Even the strongest couples sometimes need space to grow. In 2007, Prince William and Kate Middleton briefly went their separate ways.
William reportedly felt uncertain about the future and needed time to reflect. The breakup was said to be difficult for Kate. However, it didn’t take long for fate to bring them back together.
By the summer of that same year, the pair had quietly rekindled their romance.
In true royal style, William reportedly flew Kate out to the Seychelles. They rented out an entire resort and checked in under the names Martin and Rosemary to escape the public eye.
From that moment forward, the couple were stronger than ever.
Klosters ski trip – 2008
In 2008, the couple returned to where their romance first made headlines: the snowy slopes of Klosters.
Snapped together once again, Kate and William looked firmly back on track, with royal sources confirming they had reconciled.
Kate looked stylish in black and white ski gear as she confidently navigated the slopes. Meanwhile, William stayed close by.
RAF graduation – 2008
Prince William celebrated a major milestone in April 2008 as he officially received his RAF wings from his father, King Charles, after completing his training as a pilot.
But it was Kate Middleton’s presence that truly turned heads.
Dressed in a chic ivory double-breasted coat and black suede boots, Kate looked poised and elegant as she supported her boyfriend at the RAF Cranwell graduation ceremony in Lincolnshire.
It was her first appearance at a formal royal event alongside William since 2006. Her confident demeanour sparked renewed speculation about just how serious their relationship had become.
Following the ceremony, Kate and William joined Prince Charles and Camilla at a private reception.
William’s 26th birthday – 2008
Captured on 21 June 2008, William’s 26th birthday, the photo shows Kate and William during a casual picnic at the Beaufort Polo Club.
The couple were joined by Prince Harry and close friends as they braved the rain to watch the Williams De Broe Polo Test Match and celebrate William’s big day.
Kate kept it low-key in low-rise black jeans, an oversized navy jumper and a baseball cap.
Harry Meade and Rosie Bradford’s wedding – 2010
At Harry Meade and Rosie Bradford’s wedding in October 2010, Prince William was photographed gazing adoringly at Kate.
The future Prince and Princess of Wales looked completely smitten. Media outlets at the time described them as “so in love”.
Their body language, smiles, and eye contact prompted royal watchers to suggest that an engagement was likely imminent.
And they weren’t wrong, as the announcement finally came in November 2010.
Prince William proposed during a holiday in Kenya, using his late mother Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring. The moment marked the official beginning of the next chapter.
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