Prince William and Catherine: A Love Story that Began at University

The public has long been fascinated by the relationship between Prince William and Catherine, ever since The Sun released an exclusive image of the couple skiing together in 2004.

However, their story actually began three years earlier when they first crossed paths as students at the University of St Andrews.

Despite Catherine's initial nervousness, a friendship blossomed between them.

It wasn't until exactly 12 years ago, however, that the Prince and Princess of Wales made a momentous announcement – they were engaged.

In a stunning display, Catherine proudly showed off her sapphire engagement ring, which once belonged to William's late mother, Princess Diana.

The couple, clearly smitten with each other, shared the news of their engagement and upcoming wedding.

To mark the occasion, they also sat down for a rare interview with ITV's Tom Bradby.

During the conversation, they reminisced about how their friendship had evolved into love, William's romantic proposal in Kenya, and the temporary breakup they experienced in 2007.

Interestingly, when looking back at the interview from 2010, it becomes apparent that William referred to his future wife by a nickname he now rarely uses in public – Kate.

Throughout the interview, he affectionately called her Kate nine times, a name she was known by during her university days and is still used by many today.

Since their wedding in April 2011, however, William has predominantly referred to her by her full name, Catherine, in public and in speeches.

The princess herself introduces herself as Catherine when interacting with the public.

Last week, during a public event, a young child asked Catherine what her name was, and she confidently replied, “Catherine.”

This simple response highlights how their love story has evolved over the years.

While their engagement occurred 12 years ago, their journey together began even earlier, during their time as students at St Andrews University in Scotland.

However, their first meeting didn't leave a lasting impression on William, who admitted he would have to wrack his brains to recall it.

On the other hand, Catherine vividly remembers the moment, admitting she turned bright red and felt shy when they first met.

During their ITV interview, William and Catherine also discussed their brief split and why it was crucial for their relationship.

They acknowledged that they were both young and still figuring out their identities while navigating university life.

Taking some time apart allowed them to grow individually, ultimately strengthening their bond.

It was a period of self-discovery, and they both agree that the break worked out for the better.

In another candid moment during the interview, William revealed that he was too afraid to ask Catherine's father, Michael Middleton, for her hand in marriage in advance.

Instead, he chose to propose to Catherine first, reasoning that if she said yes, her father couldn't refuse.

Although they later spoke to Catherine's father, she wasn't sure if her mother, Carol, knew about the proposal, resulting in an awkward situation.

Fortunately, both of Catherine's parents were thrilled about the engagement, with her mother being absolutely over the moon.

As for the proposal itself, William admitted that it took him three weeks to gather the courage to pop the question.

During that time, he carried the ring everywhere he went, ensuring its safety.

He joked that if the ring had disappeared, he would have been in a lot of trouble.

Finally, in 2011, the couple tied the knot in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Catherine stunned in an ivory silk tulle Alexander McQueen wedding dress.

Since their wedding, William and Catherine have welcomed three beautiful children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Their engagement remains a cherished and heartfelt memory for the couple.

In 2020, during a reception marking the UK-Africa Investment Summit, William expressed his deep connection to the African continent.

He shared that it was the place his father took him and his brother shortly after their mother's passing, making it the perfect location for his proposal to Catherine.

Prince William and Catherine's love story is a testament to the strength of their bond, which began during their university years.

From a nervous friendship to a royal engagement, they have navigated challenges and grown together.

Their journey has captivated the public's attention, and their enduring love continues to inspire many.