William and Kate’s romance began long before their days at St Andrews University, contrary to popular belief.
While the Prince and Princess of Wales are known to have met at St Andrews University, a new book reveals that their relationship started years earlier during their school days. Prince William attended Eton College, and Kate Middleton was at Marlborough College when their paths first crossed.
This account challenges the narrative presented in the final series of the popular Netflix drama, "The Crown."
The book, currently being serialised in the Daily Mail, states: "What’s less well known is that Catherine and the Prince first met when she was at Marlborough, and it was then that they actually became friends. There was plenty of socialising between pupils at both schools back then, and they were known to each other," according to a senior source close to the Middletons. "I understand he invited her on a few things."
During an interview marking their engagement in 2010, the couple was asked about their first meeting. Kate vividly remembered the moment, while William admitted struggling to recall, noting he would need to "rack his brains."
Kate added: "I actually went bright red when I met you and scuttled off feeling very shy about meeting you. William wasn't there for quite a bit of the time initially, he wasn’t there from Fresher’s Week, so it did take a bit of time for us to get to know each other. But we did become very close friends from quite early on."
The couple also spoke about their brief split in 2007, which they quickly reconciled. William explained: "We did split up for a bit. We were both very young, it was at university, and we were both finding ourselves and being different characters and stuff. It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up. It was just a bit of space. It worked out for the better."
In 2022, Kate reflected on her early romance, revealing that joining the royal family was unexpected for her. She expressed this sentiment during a Dame Kelly Holmes Trust event in Bath, where she also competed against the double Olympic champion in a game of bean bag noughts and crosses, ending up second best.
During a private chat with schoolgirls supported by the charity at St Katherine’s School in Bristol, Kate invited questions about herself after hearing about their experiences at home and school.
When asked by a pupil if she desired to be a "royal," the Princess responded that it wasn't something she had anticipated, but she "fell in love" with William.
Prince William and Catherine Middleton were married on Friday, 29 April 2011, at Westminster Abbey in London, England.
