London, April 29: From St Andrews to the Abbey – a look back at the royal couple’s relationship from university to union.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding is the blossoming of a relationship that has spanned nearly a decade. Their romance started at St Andrews University where the pair arrived as freshers in September 2001.
With the agreement of the media William was allowed to lead a relatively private life at university. Away from the public eye his friendship with fellow history of art student Miss Middleton took shape.
By the time they graduated the pair were firmly an item. And the media, released from its agreement over privacy while the Prince was at St Andrews, started paying closer attention to the couple.
In December 2006 Kate made her most significant public appearance to date, at William’s passing out parade at Sandhurst.
But in April 2007 the pressures of a royal relationship took its toll and as William concentrated on his armed forces career the couple were believed to have drifted apart. Their split was short lived however, by June they were back together.
The Prince’s career as a search and rescue helicopter pilot would mean a posting to RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey. Six months after his arrival, in June 2010, Kate joined him as they moved into together.
–Agencies