When you think about royal romances, you probably imagine grand palaces, formal introductions, and carefully planned encounters.
But for Prince William and Kate Middleton, their love story took root in lecture halls, student halls of residence, and even at a charity fashion show that has since become legendary.
What started out as a simple friendship at St Andrews University eventually blossomed into one of the most famous relationships in the world.
The Famous Dress That Changed Everything
Back in April 2002, Kate walked the runway at the DONT WALK charity gala held at the Fairmont St Andrews Hotel.
She wore a daring outfit designed by textiles student Charlotte Todd—a sheer tube dress, which she styled as a mini-dress over black underwear.
Sitting quietly in the audience, Prince William had secured a £200 front-row ticket through a friend to avoid attention.
As Kate strutted down the runway, William reportedly turned to his classmate Fergus Boyd and whispered: “Wow, Kate’s hot!”
That moment is often remembered as the spark that changed how William saw her—no longer just a friendly student, but someone he was deeply drawn to.
Were They Already Together?
While many reports claim the fashion show was the turning point, a new book suggests otherwise.
According to Sean Smith’s 2025 biography, Sophie: Saving the Royal Family, William and Kate were already quietly dating by then.
They had first bonded over rugby conversations—a sport Kate knew well, much to William’s surprise.
Among his circle of wealthy, upper-class friends, she stood out as the one girl who could hold her own at lunch and dinner chats.
By Christmas break of 2001, they were already considered an item, though discreet about it.
University Life and Growing Closer
William and Kate had officially met in September 2001, when both moved into St Salvator’s halls, known affectionately as “Sally’s.”
They were History of Art students at the time (though William later switched to geography).
Kate had just finished her gap year and originally held an offer from Edinburgh but chose St Andrews instead—a decision that changed the course of her life.
For William, who was under immense media scrutiny during “Willsmania,” the university offered a rare chance at normalcy.
The press agreed to leave him alone in exchange for a brief interview when he first arrived, allowing him to blend in as much as possible.
It wasn’t long before William and Kate began hanging out, often swimming together at the Old Course Hotel and skiing during breaks.
Their friendship slowly deepened into romance.
Moving In Together
As their relationship strengthened, William and Kate eventually shared student housing with friends.
They moved into a top-floor apartment at 13a Hope Street along with Fergus Boyd and Olivia Bleasdale.
Despite the high-security measures—bulletproof windows, laser alarms, and reinforced doors—the flat gave William a taste of normal student life.
Kate later recalled in interviews how William would try to impress her with his cooking.
She admitted that he often made meals like spaghetti Bolognese, joking with Mary Berry years later that he was “definitely trying to win her over.”
A Relationship Built on Privacy
Friends of the couple remember that William and Kate were careful not to display affection publicly.
Michael Choong, a rugby friend of William, described Kate as loyal and discreet, someone who didn’t gossip despite the attention around her.
William was outgoing and friendly, while Kate preferred to stay out of the spotlight.
Their relationship remained a secret from the wider world until Christmas 2003, when Kate’s mother, Carole, mentioned it to her brother Gary Goldsmith.
Gary reportedly couldn’t resist scribbling a note to a colleague boasting: “I think I’m going to be the uncle of the future Queen of England!”
The Dress That Became Iconic
The sheer dress Kate wore at the 2002 gala eventually became iconic.
Designer Charlotte Todd revealed it had only cost £30 to make from scrap fabric for a university project.
Years later, in 2011, it was auctioned for an astonishing £78,000.
Todd even launched a small fashion brand inspired by the famous look, though it was short-lived.
The gala moment has since been recreated in Netflix’s The Crown, with actress Meg Bellamy stepping into Kate’s shoes.
Bellamy admitted it was difficult to portray a young Kate since no footage of her university days exists, so she relied on voice and movement coaching to embody her character.
More Than Just a Fairytale Beginning
Though many still debate whether William first fell for Kate at the fashion show or earlier during their private moments at university, one thing is clear: their relationship grew slowly, away from the pressures of royal life.
Kate offered William stability, support, and companionship during some of his most difficult years.
For the public, the charity gala remains the defining “fairytale moment” of their early relationship.
But for William and Kate, the foundation of their love was built long before the cameras caught sight of that dress—rooted instead in quiet dinners, long conversations, and shared student life.
