The Evolution of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Relationship

Kate and Will's relationship is the apple of every royal lover's eye. From their beautiful children to the early days of their blossoming romance, everything about them is a dream. What some don't know is that our beloved Kate and Will have a rather lengthy relationship history that spans a couple of decades. But how did the relationship evolve into the romantic treasure that it is today?

We're recapping the evolution of Kate Middleton and Prince William's relationship, and sharing the pieces of their history that you might have missed.

They Met At University

Kate and Will met at university
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Clarence House / Getty Images

Although they first crossed paths in prep school, Kate and Will "officially" met back in 2001 when they both started university at St Andrews on the East Coast of Scotland. St Andrews is regarded as Scotland's best university and is full of history, having been founded in 1413. Prince William studied art history originally, before changing his major to geography. Kate, on the other hand, pursued a master degree in art history.

The pair were both students in residence at St Salvator's Hall. Kate reportedly caught Will's eye in a charity fashion show in 2002. So cute!

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Their Love Blossomed When They Moved In Together

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Kate and Will were already close friends up until this point, but when they moved in with friends Fergus Boyd and Olivia Bleasdale, they reportedly got closer.

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Olivia was an old friend of the prince's and she and Kate were good pals, so they seemed to be the perfect housemates. Fergus Boyd attended Eton with William, where they built a close friendship that is still ongoing today. The foursome shared a flat at 13a Hope Street, St Andrews, where their relationship blossomed.

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Kate Ditched Her Ex And The Couple Went Public

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Kate and Will on a skiing trip
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After a series of cute pictures emerged of them on a ski trip around March 2004, William and Kate were rumored to be a couple. Around Christmas 2003, Kate had split from her previous boyfriend who was also a St Andrews student, so people had already started to assume that they were an item. The news was somewhat confirmed by the ski trip images that emerged in 2004.

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While the two were pictured skiing in Klosters together, Will was reported to say that he wasn't interested in marriage until he was older. But with Clarence House not denying their romance and the couple looking happier than ever, people started to hear wedding bells.

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They Made Memories Holidaying Together

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After Kate and Will were seen publicly kissing while skiing in Jan 2006, they continued to enjoy holidays together. Unlike the public appearances that they make today, the couple indulged in some quiet time together.

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In April 2006 they holidayed on the Caribbean Island of Mustique, and in August they headed to Ibiza to soak up some sun and let their hair down before William completed his final term at Sandhurst.

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Long Distance Lovers

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Kate and William at university
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The loved-up pair continued to succeed, as Kate pursued a job with the fashion label Jigsaw, and Will continued his training at Sandhurst. Although they were said to be very happy, the pressure of public life together looked to be taking its toll.

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Kate's lawyers were rumoured to have asked newspapers to go easy on her, however, with the public eye very much on the happy couple, their time in the spotlight wasn't going to end anytime soon.

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They Broke Up

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Paparazzi attention put extensive pressure on their relationship. While Kate looked quite happy in front of the camera (as pictured at the Cheltenham Festival Horse Race) there were rumors that being thrust into the public eye was tough for her, resulting in their break up in April 2007.

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The media interest was undoubtedly an issue, however, the break didn't last long and the couple soon couldn't be without each other again. Within just two months the pair were making appearances together again and were grateful for the time apart as their relationship seemed stronger than ever upon rekindling.

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Kate Gets Friendly With The In-laws

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Prince William enjoyed success at Sandhurst and graduated as an army officer in April 2008. This was a big public appearance for Kate, and confirmed the public thoughts that the couple were happier than ever.

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As they starting planning their lives together, Kate decided to move to Wales to support her future husband in his training as an RAF pilot. Her support for him makes it obvious that they were moving in the right direction and they created a little home together near his base in Anglesey.

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The Pair Finally Got Engaged

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With much discussion in the media surrounding whether Will would soon get down on one knee, he popped the question while he and Kate on a trip on Kenya. William asked Kate to marry him, proposing with Princess Diana's 18 karat diamond and sapphire ring.

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Mario Testino photographed the couple in an official photoshoot and the pair opened up about their romance and engagement in their first official interview together. Messages of support flooded in from around the world, as the UK prepared for one of the biggest royal weddings ever.

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The Royal Wedding

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- The Wedding Ceremony Takes Place Inside Westminster Abbey
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On April 29, 2011 William and Kate solidified their love in front of the world, as they said their vows in front of millions of people around the globe. The wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, and while the dress reportedly cost over $400,000 Kate opted for a more "low key" vibe with her makeup - choosing to do her own makeup for the wedding.

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Ellie Goulding performed at their reception, and the many celebrity guests included Victoria and David Beckham and Elton John.

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Honeymoon In The Seychelles

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Leave For Their Honeymoon
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As far as honeymoons go, it doesn't get much better than this. The newlywed couple flew to a remote island that offered them some respite from their busy lives back in the Here, they leave Buckingham Palace to board a helicopter to whisk them away the day after their wedding.

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It's reported that their hotel was around $6,500 per night and was located on the North Island in one of the most expensive and exclusive spots around. It's likely that Will and Kate stayed in a top suite, and enjoyed the stunning nature that the resort has to offer. The North Island is only around 500 acres of island and is very exclusive, so it gave them a chance to enjoy each other's company before returning to reality.

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Royal Tour Galore

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An official visit with US President Barack Obama
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As the two embarked on married life in the spotlight, they committed to their first royal engagements as a couple, including welcoming then-president Barack Obama into Buckingham Palace.

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They then took a trip to the United States and Canada. The couple looked really happy together as they saw the sights including hitting the BAFTAs and a rodeo. The couple became the poster children for the modern monarchy -- offering a genuine look into their lives wherever possible and opening themselves up to the public unlike any royals before them. Apart from, of course, the much-loved Princess Diana.

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Public Appearances Were A Regular Thing

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The couple looked to be enjoying married life and were frequently seen laughing and loving each other's company. Things were looking good for the two of them, and the speculation about a royal baby continued to grow.

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In this photo, the two take a trip to Bacon's College in London and joined in with the sports offered at the school. Both Kate and William are both sporty themselves, and it's thought that their active lifestyle was one of the things that drew them together.

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Parallels Were Drawn Between Kate And Diana

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As the couple enjoyed more time touring the world together, parallels were drawn between Kate and William's late mother, Princess Diana. At this point, it seemed like the public couldn't love her any more, but the comparisons only saw Kate's fame grow.

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On the then-Duchess of Cambridge's Diamond Jubilee Tour of the Far East, she was pictured in similar clothes to those of Princess Diana when she visited Pakistan in 1996. During their time in Malaysia, they met the Prime Minister, enjoyed the local culture, and Kate delivered her first speech overseas - kudos!

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Kate Got Sick

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Amid their excitement and fun, it was reported that Kate got ill from *cough cough* morning sickness. She was taken to the West London London's King Edward VII hospital, one of the best private hospitals in the country, and released shortly after.

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At this point, the couple had not yet announced their exciting news, but due to the media storm surrounding them it started to look like the cat was out the bag. They wanted to wait until week 12, which is a pretty safe point in pregnancy, but Kate's sickness meant that they had to share the amazing news that they were expecting!

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Prince George Was Born

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After much excitement, speculation, and press coverage, the world was treated to the first royal baby in years on July 22, 2013. Prince William and the then-duchess of Cambridge called their newborn George, and as images emerged of the little one, the world fell in love.

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The Christening was held at Chapel Royal in St James's Palace in a quiet ceremony that was not open to the public. As the couple welcomed their new child into the world along with close friends and family, they seemed happier than ever.

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They Visited Locations Around The UK

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Just months after the birth of baby George, the nation's favorite couple spent some time meeting people up and down the country. Their trips took them to visit locations such as Portsmouth and Scotland to explore their own island, before they headed on another royal tour to Australia -- this time with baby George in tow.

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It was hoped that Kate could enjoy some downtime after the birth of her little one, who is already third in line to the throne. Despite the constant media attention, Kate looks comfortable and happy alongside her husband and the couple continue their royal journey.

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A Trip To Australia And New Zealand

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With gorgeous baby George alongside them, the couple embarked on a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand. Highlights included Prince George meeting other children at Government House in New Zealand -- looking very relaxed in front of cameras.

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They spoke to those affected by wildfires and George stole the show when he met a cute little Bilby named George. After being gifted a toy version of the animal, he threw it on the floor. We still love him though!

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Another Royal Baby Was Announced

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In September of 2014, the Royal Couple announced more great news - they were expecting their second child. It was reported that Kate's labor went smoothly, and she was seen shortly after giving birth looking fresh-faced and happy as the couple introduced Princess Charlotte to the world in May of 2015.

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It was reported that the same midwives who delivered Prince George had delivered Princess Charlotte and Kate reportedly had no epidural, opting for a natural birth. A couple of days later Kate returned to Buckingham Palace and baby Charlotte got her first visits from friends and family. Adorable!

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The Happy Family Takes Center Stage

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On the Queen's 90th birthday, the whole family looked absolutely perfect and they've become some of the most popular royals ever. In a documentary that aired to mark the big day, William and Kate were interviewed and gave a gushy account of their royal grandmother.

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Kate had a solo interview, where she described the Queen very positively and proved that she has been fully welcomed into the family. She commented, "I think she's so, so engaging. I think she has got the most fantastic smile".

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2018 Brings Another Prince Into The Family

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On April 23, 2018, Prince Louis Arthur Charles joined the family of four, making it a family of five. Sticking with royal tradition, Prince William and then-duchess Kate made their first public appearance with Louis a mere seven hours later. They were on the steps of St. Mary's.

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From the photographs of the two parents, they couldn't have been happier.

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The Wedding Of 2018 And The Drama That Followed

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On May 19, 2018, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children were seen supporting Prince Harry as he set to wed Meghan Markle. According to an insider, "William was in a jokey, wonderful mood at the party."

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At the time, it seemed as though the four adults got along very well. Sadly, a lot of drama was brewing under the surface, something that would lead to a brotherly feud between the two princes. Kate always stood by her husband's side, though.

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Eight Years Together And Stronger Than Ever

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The 29th of April, 2019, marked the couple's eighth year of marriage together, and they still look happier than ever. Now with a wonderful family together, and with them seeming to truly enjoy their royal engagements, travel, and charity work, the couple is a perfect fit for royal life.

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After a friendship and relationship that has lasted the span of two decades, there's no sign of the couple breaking up anytime soon. The pair has truly won over the nation and the world with their genuine love for one another.

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A Rare Joint Interview

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The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Visit Belize, Jamaica And The Bahamas - Day Eight
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Kate and William are not known for doing joint interviews with one another. But, in 2020, they did a video call with BBC, explaining their experience homeschooling their children while the schools were shut down.

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In the interview, Kate said, "The children have got such stamina, I don't know how. Honestly, you get to the end of the day, and you write down the list of all the things that you've done in that day. So, you pitch a tent, take the tent down again, cook, bake. You get to the end of the day — they have had a lovely time — but it is amazing how much you can cram into one day, that's for sure."

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A Ten-Year Anniversary Celebration

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Instead of going off together, Kate and William spent their ten-year wedding anniversary with their family in Norfolk, England. They created a video, showing themselves helping their laughing children over sand dunes.

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The caption of the video read, "​​Thank you to everyone for the kind messages on our wedding anniversary. We are enormously grateful for the 10 years of support we have received in our lives as a family."

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William Encourages Kate On Her New Appointment In 2021

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Members Of The Royal Family Attend
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In 2021, something big happened for Kate Middleton -- the Queen appointed her as the sponsor of the naval battleship HMS Glasglow. In a statement, it was clear Prince William couldn't have been more proud of his wife.

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In his statement, the Prince wrote, "Her Majesty the Queen has approved the appointment of my wife Catherine as Sponsor of the superb ship we see taking shape outside — HMS Glasgow. I know that Catherine will be delighted to join you here in Glasgow for the naming ceremony in due course."

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"They Are A Strong Team"

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The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Visit Northern Ireland
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At the 2021 Earthshot Awards, Kate was seen backstage while Prince William gave a speech onstage. According to photographer Chris Jackson, it was clear the two royals were an extremely strong team that supported one another.

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Jackson said, "[Kate] was so clearly really proud of [Prince William] when he came back from his speech. She had been watching on the backstage TV. They are a strong team."

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Their First Joint Portrait Was Revealed In 2022

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The Duke & Duchess Of Cambridge Visit Cambridgeshire
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Kate and William appeared at the University of Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum as a solid unit as they awaited their first-ever joint portrait as it was revealed to the public.

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Commissioned back in 2021, the portrait was painted by award-winning British portrait artist Jamie Coreth. It shows Kate and William posing as a solid unit, looking to their right-hand side while standing close to one another.

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Officially Prince And Princess Of Wales

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The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Visit Ireland - Day One
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On September 9, 2022, a bittersweet announcement was made regarding William and Kate. In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, the two were given new titles. Well, namely, Kate received a new title. King Charles announced that Kate would now be Princess Catherine of Wales, a title last held by her husband's late mother, Princess Diana.

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Speaking of the couple, King Charles said, "With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given."

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They're Very Grateful For All Of The Love

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The Duke & Duchess Of Cambridge Visit India & Bhutan - Day 7
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While the Prince and new Princess of Wales were excited about their new titles and responsibilities, it was still a hard time. They were very forthright about it, though, expressing how the outpouring of love from the public was helping them through the difficult time.

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One person told People, "Kate said it's been overwhelming, and she and William are very grateful for everyone being here. She was emotional. They seemed like they were here to soak up all the love."