Prince William’s initial attraction to Kate Middleton was famously sparked at a charity fashion show at the University of St Andrews in March 2002. During the **DONT WALK** charity gala, where both William and Kate were students, Kate wore a striking outfit that left a lasting impression on William. As described in Robert Lacey’s 2020 book, “Battle of the Brothers,” Prince William had secretly arranged to be in the front row, paying £200 for his seat through a friend to keep his attendance low-key.
Kate Middleton, then known as a student rather than a royal figure, made a bold fashion choice that night. Originally a skirt designed by textiles student Charlotte Todd, Kate chose to wear the piece as a sheer mini-dress, revealing her black underwear and showcasing her slim figure. This daring outfit, a departure from her usual conservative style of Ralph Lauren shirts, V-neck jumpers, and jeans, immediately caught William’s eye. Upon seeing Kate on the catwalk, William reportedly turned to his friend Fergus Boyd and exclaimed, “Wow. Kate’s hot!”
This event marked a significant turning point in their relationship. Although both William and Kate were involved with other people at the time, the prince made a tentative attempt to flirt with her at the show’s after-party. Though Kate initially rebuffed his advances, the pair remained close friends and soon began dating a few weeks later. Their relationship developed quickly, and they moved in together with friends, including Fergus Boyd, before eventually sharing a farmhouse near the university campus.
The romance, however, remained under wraps for some time. It was only revealed to the public in 2004 when photographs of William and Kate on a skiing holiday were published. Prior to this, their relationship had only been loosely known within their circle. There was a slip when Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, mentioned the romance to her brother Gary Goldsmith during Christmas in 2003. Gary, in turn, wrote a note to a colleague during a meeting, saying, “I think I’m going to be the uncle of the future Queen of England!!!” However, it wasn’t until the skiing photos surfaced that their relationship became widely known.
William and Kate faced their share of challenges during their courtship. In 2007, they briefly split as William began his new role as an Army officer with the Blues and Royals. This separation was reportedly driven by William’s desire to avoid repeating the mistakes of his parents by marrying too early. During this period, William sought distraction at the Mahiki club in London, while Kate took a trip to Dublin with her mother. However, by mid-May, the two had rekindled their romance, with Kate attending a fancy dress party at William’s barracks by June.
The couple’s relationship continued to flourish after this brief split. They announced their engagement in November 2010 and married in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, watched by millions worldwide. Kate’s fashion sense, which initially caught William’s eye, continued to captivate the public as she became a fashion icon.
The infamous sheer dress from the fashion show, now a piece of royal history, was auctioned off in 2011 for £78,000 to a private buyer. The dress, originally made for just £30 from leftover material for a student project, proved to be a valuable artifact of royal romance. Charlotte Todd, the designer, briefly launched her fashion brand, featuring 12 updated versions of the iconic dress in various colors.
William and Kate’s journey from university friends to the future King and Queen of England is a story that has captured the public’s imagination. Their relationship, which began at St Andrews University, blossomed into a partnership marked by love, resilience, and shared duties. Their enduring bond and journey together continue to be a source of inspiration and fascination worldwide.