Before they were the Prince and Princess of Wales — before royal titles, international tours, and waving from palace balconies — Prince William and Kate Middleton were just two university students crossing paths in the ancient halls of St. Andrews. And yes, their love story has more than a few magical moments — including one that sounds straight out of a romantic comedy.
A Castle, A Theme, and a Bid for Love
According to Kate’s former college roommate, Laura Warshauer, one unforgettable night during their university years (between 2001 and 2005) involved a Harry Potter-themed party in an actual castle. It was here that sparks quietly began to fly — and where Prince William made a surprising move.
“They held a charity auction,” Warshauer recalled. “People were bidding for dates, and Will bid £200 (about AU$400) to win a date with Kate.”
Yes — the future king once paid for a date with his future queen. And while Warshauer didn’t spill details about what happened during that date, she did share that the two had “instant chemistry.”
Not Love at First Sight—But Something Close
Despite the popular tale that William fell head over heels when Kate walked the runway in a now-iconic sheer dress, Warshauer suggests the story was a bit more layered. That fashion moment, though, certainly didn’t hurt.
In March 2002, Kate took part in a student fashion show — and stunned the room in a strapless, sheer black-and-gold dress with blue trim. Underneath, she wore a visible black bikini. It was bold, confident, and unforgettable.
That dress, it turns out, was designed by fellow student Charlotte Todd, who revealed years later that it was never meant to be worn as a dress at all.
“I actually made it as a skirt,” Todd told People. “But someone pulled it up on Kate, and she wore it as a dress. I didn’t even know who she was at the time — it was pure chance.”
From University Days to Royal Wedding Bells
William and Kate started out as friends and roommates, moving in together with other friends in their second year. But eventually, friendship gave way to something deeper. By the time the world caught on, their relationship had quietly blossomed.
Fast-forward to 2010: Prince William proposed with the sapphire-and-diamond ring that once belonged to his mother, the late Princess Diana. Just six months later, the two were married in a globally televised royal wedding that captured hearts around the world.
Today, the couple share three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — and are considered the modern face of the British monarchy.
From a castle-themed costume party to Kensington Palace, their journey is a real-life fairy tale — with a £200 bid that started it all. 💫
