The love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton began during their time as students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Their journey, marked by shyness, separation, and eventual reunion, has captured global attention.

A Humble Beginning

Reflecting on their first meeting, Kate once admitted, “I actually went bright red when I met you and scuttled off feeling very shy about meeting you. William wasn’t there for quite a bit of the time initially, he wasn’t there from Fresher’s Week, so it did take a bit of time for us to get to know each other.”

As their relationship blossomed, media attention grew. Kate even attended the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy, a significant public appearance with the Royal Family. However, despite growing speculation of an impending royal marriage, the couple split in 2007.

Time Apart

Both William and Kate later described the breakup as beneficial, allowing them to “find themselves.” Kate reflected, “You can get quite consumed by a relationship when you’re younger,” as reported by The Telegraph. The time apart proved valuable, and the pair rekindled their romance in 2008.

The Proposal and Public Scrutiny

In 2010, William proposed during a trip to Kenya with his late mother’s engagement ring. Before their engagement, Kate earned nicknames like “Waity Katie” and “Lazy Katie” in reference to her decision to leave her job, reportedly to prepare for royal life.

Kate’s life before William also included a few noteworthy relationships.

Kate’s Early Relationships

Before her relationship with William, Kate dated several others.

• Harry Blakelock: Considered her first heartbreak, Kate reportedly spoke often about Harry while studying in Florence. According to a source, he “messed her around quite a bit” during their school days. Harry later married one of Kate’s friends.
• Rupert Finch: Kate’s relationship with Rupert, a law student, began in 2001 and lasted less than two years. Despite the split, they remained close, attending each other’s weddings.
• Willem Marx: Kate’s first boyfriend, Willem, met her at Marlborough College in 2000. Though their romance was brief, they stayed on good terms, with rumors suggesting he was invited to her wedding to William. However, Willem dismissed this as a “false assertion.”

Willem Marx’s Life Post-Kate

Willem moved on to study at Oxford and became a geopolitical reporter for CNBC, covering European news. Fluent in multiple languages, he holds dual citizenship in the UK and The Netherlands.

Willem is now married to Johanna Botta, a Peruvian-American television presenter known for her appearances on The Challenge. The couple has a son, Diego. Botta frequently shares glimpses of their life on social media, balancing her freelance career with motherhood.

A Happy Ending

Despite her past relationships, Kate found lasting love with William. Their relationship, though tested by separation and media scrutiny, has endured. Today, they remain one of the most beloved royal couples, a testament to their resilience and commitment to each other.