PRINCE William and Princess Kate are together since over 20 years and their relationship had up and downs.
The public has seen their wedding and how they started a family, but where did it all start?
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Kate and William celebrate thirteen years of marriage in 2024Credit: The Mega Agency
2001 – Kate and William meet at university
Kate and William first crossed paths in 2001 when they went to university together at St. Andrews.
She studied art history, while he studied geography.
The pair went on to become friends and it was more than a year before things turned romantic between them.
October 2002 – The couple move in with each other
The pair moved in with each other, along with other friends, in October 2002 for their second year of university.
Kate and William still weren’t in a relationship, but it wasn’t long before things changed.
2003 – Kate walks fashion show
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Kate Middleton models on the catwalk at a student fashion showCredit: Getty – Contributor
2003 is when William and Kate took things to the next level.
This was the year that Kate wore the iconic mesh dress in a charity fashion show which is reportedly when Williams started seeing her as more than just a friend.
Fellow student Charlotte Todd designed the dress and went on to tell People magazine: “Everyone says that the fashion show was when the romance started, so a small part of me will always be part of royal history. It’s madness!”
Later on that year the couple went on to move out of the four bedroom apartment with their friends and get their own place together.
April 1, 2004 – Kate and William’s relationship goes public
April 1, 2004 was a big day for William and Kate as it was the first time that they announced their romance to the world.
After keeping their relationship under wraps for a year, they were rumbled when they were seen together on the slopes at Klosters Ski Resort in Switzerland.
June 23, 2005 – They graduate from St. Andrews
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Prince William at his graduation ceremonyCredit: PA
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Kate Middleton at her graduation ceremonyCredit: PA
The couple ended their journey in higher education together, joining their class of about 260 students for an intimate graduation ceremony.
Also in attendance were William’s grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, as well as father then Prince Charles and stepmother Camilla.
Royal correspondent Matthew Bell on Kate attending St. Andrew university
Royal correspondent Matthew Bell said in The Spectator in 2005: “Some insiders wonder whether her university meeting with Prince William can really be ascribed to coincidence.
“Although at the time of making her application to universities it was unknown where the Prince was intending to go, it has been suggested that her mother persuaded Kate to reject her first choice on hearing the news and take up her offer at Saint Andrews instead.”
December 2006 – Kate went to William’s military graduation
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Prince William at the Sovereign’s parade at Sandhurst in 2006Credit: PA
Kate was spotted attending one of Will’s polo matches in 2006 where they shared a kiss.
In the following December, Kate went to support her boyfriend at his Royal Military Academy Sandhurst graduation.
This was a milestone event as it marked Kate’s first royal duty as the late Queen was also there.
However, Christmas caused trouble in paradise as it was rumoured that William cancelled spending the day with Kate’s family last minute.
April 2007 – William and Kate split
Kate and Will called time on their relationship in April 2007 after nearly five years together.
Rumours spiralled that Kate struggled with the media attention but in their future engagement interview, William told ITV News’s Tom Bradby in their engagement interview that it was “just a bit of space.”
He said: “We did split up for a bit, but that was just, we were both very young, it was at university, and we were both sort of defining ourselves as such and being different characters and stuff.
Kate added: “It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up.
“I at the time wasn’t very happy about it, but actually it made me a stronger person.
“You find out things about yourself that maybe you hadn’t realized.
“I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you’re younger, and I really valued that time for me, as well.”
June 2007 – They get back together
It didn’t take long for Kate and William to find their way back to each other as they rekindled their romance in June 2007.
Novemeber 16, 2010 – They announce their engagement to the public
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Prince William and his then fiancee Kate Middleton after they announced their engagementCredit: AP
In October 2010 William proposed to Kate in Kenya.
William said at the time: “We had a little private time away together with some friends, and I just decided it was the right time, really.
“We’d been talking about marriage for a while, so it wasn’t a massively big surprise, but I took her up somewhere nice in Kenya.”
The official statement said: “official statement reading: “The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.
“The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.”
Februray 10, 2011 Kate makes her first royal appearance
Kate completed her first-ever duty as a member-to-be of the royal family by joining William on an appointment in Wales.
The couple helped launch the new Hereford Endeavour lifeboat.
April 29, 2011 – Kate Middleton and Prince William tie the knot
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Prince William and his wife Kate, at their Royal Wedding in LondonCredit: AP
April 29, 2011 marked the day that Kate and William got married.
They tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in London in a televised event which was watched by millions all over the world.
Prince Harry served as his brother’s best man, with both of them dressing in traditional military uniforms.
Kate, meanwhile wore a French Chantily and English Cluny lace Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton gown.
Kate later changed into a second white strapless evening gown for a dinner hosted by Prince Charles with roughly 300 guests in attendance.
I’ve seen Kate and Wills up close, I don’t believe social media gossip – their marriage seems better than
June 2011: They go on their first royal tour together
William and Kate travelled to Canada to represent the royal family.
The nine-day royal tour took them through Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island, and Calgary.
July 2011 – Kate and Prince William move into Kensington Palace
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Kensington Palace was build in 1605Credit: Getty
It was reported that he newly weds moved into their new home at Kensington Palace in July 2011, which consisted of a two-bedroom, single bathroom apartment.
But, by November, they had made plans to relocate to a larger apartment on the grounds described as “the size of a small mansion”.
December 3, 2012 – Kate and William announce they’re expecting their first child
In December 2012, the pair announced that they were expecting their first baby.
The official statement said: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby”,” a statement for the couple read.”
It continued, “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news.”
July 22, 2013 – Kate and Prince welcome their first child
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Prince William and Kate with their newborn sonCredit: Getty
Prince George Alexander Louis, formally known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, was born at 4:24 p.m. on July 22, 2013.
“It’s been a wonderful day and everyone’s delighted,” a palace source said at the time.
The future king made his world debut on the steps of St. Mary’s Hospital as William and Kate appeared.
September 8, 2014 – The pair announce they’re expecting their second child
Kate and William announced that Prince George would soon become a big brother on September 8, 2014.
“Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child,” the announcement read. “The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.”
May 2, 2015 – Princess Charlotte was born
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the newborn Princess of CambridgeCredit: PA:Press Association
On May 2, 2015 Princess Charlotte was introduced to the world.
The announcement said: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8.34 a.m.”
It was then announced that her royal title would be Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.
February 12, 2017 The couple makes red carpet debut at the BAFTAs
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The couple at the BAFTAs 2017Credit: Getty – Pool
Kate wore a black floral off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown to the 2017 British Academy Film Awards.
William, meanwhile, looked elegant in a classic black tuxedo with a white shirt.
September 4, 2017 – Kate Middleton is pregnant with her third child
The royal pair announced they were expecting their third child on September 4, 2017.
It was said that Kate was suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum for the third time.
Kensington Palace said in a formal statement: “Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child.
“The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.”
April 23, 2018 – Kate Middleton and William welcome their third child
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William and Kate with Prince Louis after his birthCredit: PA:Press Association
Prince Louis was born on April 23, 2018.
A royal announcement said: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs.
“The baby weighs 8 pounds 7 ounces. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.”
With his birth Princess Charlotte became the first female member of the British royal family to retain her spot in the line of succession.
May 19, 2018 – Kate Middleton and Prince Wiliam attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
Kate and William were part of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding on May 19, 2018.
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Prince Harry with his best man Prince William at his weddingCredit: Getty
April 2020 – They give a joint interview during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Prince William and Kate during an interview with the BBC in 2020Credit: PA
The couple spoke virtually with the BBC about mental health during lockdown.
William said: “If we are going to go forward with more time spent in lockdown, then there is going to be an ever-increasing need for people to look after their mental health and take it seriously, and also know where to go to get the support they might need.”
Kate added: “While that’s hugely important, we mustn’t forget our mental well-being as well, and making sure you’re reaching out to those people around you that you have access to—even if it’s over the phone or online, to really make sure you have those conversations.”
April 29, 2021: Kate and Will celebrate their 10-year anniversary
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Prince William and Kate for their tenth wedding anniversaryCredit: AP
April 29, 2021 marked 10 years of marriage for Will and Kate.
Sharing a video of the family, the pair said: “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.”
Sept 28, 2021 – The pair attend the No Time to Die premiere in London
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Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the “No Time To Die” World PremiereCredit: Getty
Kate blew the public away when she attended the No Time to Die premiere in London.
She looked as stunning as ever in a gold sequin Jenny Packham capelet gown for the affair, while William looked smart in a velvet tux jacket and Arthur Sleep black cashmere slippers.
October 20, 2021 – William and Kate attend first Earthshot Prize Awards
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Prince William and Kate at The Earthshot Prize Awards CeremonyCredit: AP
The couple made a joint appearance for the inaugural Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony.
The ceremony was held at London’s Alexandra Palace.
December 2021 – William supports Kate’s first Christmal carol service at Westminster Abbey
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William and Kate at her Christmas Carol service in 2021Credit: PA
Kate announced she would be organizing and hosting a holiday carol service at Westminster Abbey to honor “the incredible work of individuals and organizations across the nation who have stepped up to support their communities through the pandemic.”
William attended the event and even coordinated his red tie to match her red Catherine Walker coatdress.
May 19, 2022 – Kate and Prince William attend the premiere of Top Gun
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Prince William and Katherine with U.S. actor Tom Cruise at the Top Gun: Maverick premiereCredit: Reuters
Kate looked a vision as she and husband William went to the premiere of Top Gun.
The Duchess of Cambridge stunned in a black-and-white Roland Mouret gown as William opted for a classic tux and Crockett & Jones loafers embroidered with F18 planes.
June 30, 2022 – The couple release their first official painted portrait
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First painted portrait of William and KateCredit: Splash
British artist Jamie Coreth pained the portrait and took inspiration from a visit the couple made to Dublin in 2020.
Kate wears a metallic, deep-green midi dress from the Vampire’s Wife, paired with green satin Manolo Blahnik pumps and a pair of pearl drop earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana.
Prince William wears a black suit with a white button-up shirt and a blue tie.
September 9, 2022 – Prince William and Kate Middleton officially named Prince and Princess of Wales
King Charles III made the official announcement that Kate and William are now the Prince and Princess of Wales during his first address after Queen Elizabeth died.
He 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.”
September 15, 2022 – They make their first appearance since receiving new titles
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Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales with Prince Harry and Meghan in 2022Credit: AP
For their first public appearance since becoming Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate observed floral tributes laid in honor of the late queen at Sandringham.
They also greeted crowds of well-wishers.
Body language expert Judi James on their body language at the BAFTAS 2023
She suggests the couple moving up the royal ranks and becoming Prince and Princess of Wales may have made them less self-conscious about showing physical affection.
“Kate and William do look much less inhibited with their PDAs now they have moved up the royal pecking order.
“Last night’s bottom pat from Kate also showed where some of the power behind the scenes might lie.
“The couple looked totally relaxed and openly excited to be doing full glam on the red carpet.
“They used more eye contact than usual and their touch rituals had increased to create a suggestion of flirting.”
“William and Kate’s tactile, playful behaviours could be an answer to Harry with his comments about coolness and royal men marrying women who ‘fit into the mould’
“This seems to be Kate showing she should not be fitted into any mould, with her Hollywood-style glamour and her very cheeky gesture to her husband.”
Her interview can be read here.
April 29, 2023 – A new picture is released in honor of their 12th anniversary
To mark 12 years of marriage, the couple released a new photo captured by photographer Matt Porteous.
It shows the two during a bike ride in Norfolk.
May 6, 2023 – William and Kate attend King Charles’ coronation
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Prince and Princess of Wales at the Coronation of King Charles IIICredit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd
The Prince and Princess of Wales supported King Charles and Queen Camilla at their coronation at Westminster Abbey in London.
The couple both wore formal robes and mantels for the occasion, with Prince William donning the ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh Guards and Middleton wearing a dress by Alexander McQueen.
January 17, 2024 – Kensington Palace announces Kate’s abdominal surgery
The palace released a statement revealing that Princess Kate had been admitted into the London Clinic for a “planned abdominal surgery.”
The statement reads: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.
“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’s progress when there is significant new information to share.”
January 18, 2024 – Prince William visits Kate in the hospital
Prince William was photographed driving to the London Clinic.
February 7, 2024 – William speaks on Kate’s health
William made a speech at a dinner for the London Air Ambulance Charity Gala that references the recent bout of alarming health news affecting his wife Kate and father King Charles III, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days.
“It means a great deal to us all.”
March 10, 2024 – Kensington Palace release first photo of Kate since her surgery
The palace shared the first official portrait of the Princess of Wales since her surgery was announced in January.
The photo features Kate sitting with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to mark the U.K.’s Mother’s Day.
March 11, 2024 – Kate apologizes for the edited photo
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Updated picture of Princess Kate and her three childrenCredit: The Prince of Wales
Kensington Palace issued a rare personal statement attributed to Kate, in which she admits to editing the photo.
The message read: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.
“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused.
“I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”
Royal historian Hugo Vickers on edit photo
“Well, it’s not impossible, because there’s been a lot of pressure on Kensington Palace, and the longer they leave it, I guess the more pressure there will be.
“So I don’t know, but let’s let’s wait and see.
“There could well be some kind of an announcement.
“It was suggested in the Sunday Times yesterday that there will come a point where Catherine, when she’s fully better, you know, will in some some way discuss maybe her illness whatever that may be in an appropriate way.
“That’s all very much up in the air obviously.”
His interview was published by The Sun in March 2024.
March 13, 2024 – The couple are pictured together for the first time since Kate’s surgery
Paparazzi took a photo of William and Kate riding in their car outside of Windsor.
Prince William meets boy who wrote heartfelt letter to him – after sharing poignant message with Kate to mark Anzac Day
March 22, 2024 – The Princess of Wales announces that she has cancer
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Princess Kate during her statement in March 2024Credit: PA
The Princess of Wales released a statement on March 22, 2024, revealing that she has cancer.
The cancer was found after her successful abdominal surgery in January 2024.
She is undergoing chemotherapy at the moment.
Kate said in a statment:
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, personally, for all the understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I have had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
“In January I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time it was thought my condition was non-cancerous.
“The surgery was successful.
“However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
“This of course came as a huge shock.
“William and I have been doing everything we can to process this privately for the sake of our young family.
“As you can imagine this has taken time.
It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“Most importantly it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.
“As I have said to them, I am well and I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind body and spirit.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too, as is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.
“It means so much to us both.
“We hope that you will understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.
“My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery at this time.
“I am also thinking of all those lives affected by cancer.
“For everyone facing this disease in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope.
“You are not alone.”