Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Relationship Timeline

Step into the love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton—a romance that began with a chance meeting at university and blossomed into one of the world’s most admired partnerships. From sharing a flat with friends to raising three children as the Prince and Princess of Wales, their journey is filled with relatable moments, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. 

2001: A Fortuitous Meeting at St. Andrews University

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s love story began in 2001 at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The young prince, looking to carve his own path, pursued his studies quietly. Kate, a bright, down-to-earth student, had her own ambitions. Both enrolled in Art History courses, setting the stage for a friendship that would evolve over time.

In 2002, a charity fashion show at St. Andrews altered their dynamic forever. Kate took to the runway in a sheer dress, and Prince William was reportedly mesmerized. According to reports, Prince William spent 200 euros for a front-row ticket!

2002-2003: A Deepening Friendship and Secret Romance

In their second year, they moved into a shared flat with friends, allowing their connection to deepen naturally, away from royal scrutiny. Bonding over shared routines and everyday challenges, William and Kate forged a close friendship, finding solace in each other’s company.

Even with the quiet beginning of their romance, they were careful to keep it under wraps. Friends reveal that William and Kate enjoyed cozy evenings watching films or cooking dinner, a pastime they still treasure to this day.

2004: Going Public

Their relationship came to light in 2004, with the press capturing the couple together on a ski trip in Klosters, Switzerland. This first “official” sighting sparked a media frenzy. While the world watched eagerly, Kate handled the spotlight with impressive composure—a quality she would need in years to come.

2005: Graduation and Next Steps

The couple graduated in 2005, closing a cherished chapter. Prince William enrolled in military training at Sandhurst, while Kate focused on her professional life, showing her dedication to creating an identity beyond the relationship. Friends noted the mutual respect and encouragement between them during this time, despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship.

2007: A Heartbreaking Breakup—and the Rekindling of Their Love

In 2007, the couple’s relationship hit a rough patch, leading to a brief breakup. William felt the need to explore his independence, and Kate, though heartbroken, respected his decision. During this time, she leaned on friends, including joining an all-female rowing team called “The Sisterhood,” reflecting her inner strength and independence.

In a rare comment about their split, Kate said, “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.” The time apart allowed them to reassess their future, and within a few months, they reunited, stronger and more aligned.

2008: Another Milestone - William’s RAF Graduation

In the spring of 2008, Prince William celebrated a proud moment as he graduated from the Royal Air Force. Kate, his unwavering support, stood by his side at the ceremony, showing just how much a part of his life she had become. Her presence at such a meaningful occasion reflected their growing commitment to each other and Kate’s quiet strength in standing beside William as he took on new responsibilities.

2010: The Proposal in Kenya

After years of ups and downs, William was ready. On a romantic holiday in Kenya in 2010, he proposed to Kate, giving her his late mother Princess Diana’s sapphire ring. This gesture symbolized his trust and the importance he placed on their union. The choice to propose in Kenya was deeply personal, reflecting their love of adventure and privacy.

April 29, 2011: The Royal Wedding

The world held its breath on April 29, 2011, as Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanged vows in a ceremony that combined British tradition with the warmth of a modern love story. Westminster Abbey, adorned with beautiful floral arrangements and attended by 1,900 guests, was the setting for their grand yet intimate wedding. Over two billion viewers tuned in globally, making it one of the most-watched events in history.

The ceremony began with Kate’s much-anticipated arrival in a custom Sarah Burton gown for Alexander McQueen, a design kept secret until the big day. The dress, with intricate lace sleeves and a graceful train, was a tribute to both tradition and Kate’s own elegant style. Her choice of a simple, sheer ivory veil and the Queen’s Cartier Halo tiara added to the timeless look, and Kate’s bouquet—composed of lilies of the valley, hyacinths, and myrtle—symbolized love and innocence.

The ceremony itself was filled with both grandeur and heartfelt moments, from the readings chosen by the couple to the hymn "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer," a tribute to William’s late mother, Princess Diana. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, presided over the vows, and as William and Kate exchanged promises, the world witnessed the beginning of a new chapter for the royal family.

After the ceremony, the couple made their way from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace in the 1902 State Landau carriage, cheered on by hundreds of thousands who had lined the streets to celebrate their union. On the balcony of Buckingham Palace, William and Kate shared a tender kiss that was met with applause and joy from the crowd below—a moment forever etched in history.

The reception that followed was hosted by the Queen, a grand gathering in Buckingham Palace's opulent rooms where guests were treated to a menu featuring English classics. The evening party, organized by Prince Charles, was a more intimate celebration filled with laughter and dancing.

December 3, 2012: Joyful Beginnings and an Announcement

A year and a half after their wedding, William and Kate shared the exciting news that they were expecting their first child. This joyful announcement was tempered with concern, as the very same day, Kate was hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. It marked the beginning of a challenging but joyful journey to parenthood, one that Kate would bravely face during each of her pregnancies.

July 22, 2013: Prince George, the Future King, Arrives

On a warm July day in 2013, the world welcomed a new prince. Kate gave birth to Prince George at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, where the new parents made their first appearance with their son on the hospital steps, echoing the very moment Princess Diana and Prince Charles introduced baby William to the world. Prince George, now the future king, brought immeasurable joy to William and Kate, beginning a new chapter for the royal family.

May 2, 2015: The Royal Family Welcomes Princess Charlotte

Just under two years later, William and Kate welcomed a daughter, Princess Charlotte. Born at the same hospital as her brother, little Charlotte made her first public appearance as the family stood on the hospital steps for another historic photo. Fourth in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte’s arrival added another layer of happiness to the family, bringing balance and joy to the household.

April 23, 2018: Prince Louis Completes the Family

The royal couple expanded their family once more in 2018 with the birth of Prince Louis. Born on April 23, just a month before Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle, Louis entered the world at St. Mary’s Hospital. The young prince, fifth in line to the throne, completed William and Kate’s family of five. Once again, the new parents stood proudly with their newborn, sharing their happiness with the world.

May 19, 2018: Attending Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding

Just weeks after welcoming their third child, Prince Louis, William and Kate stepped out to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. On this memorable day, both Prince George and Princess Charlotte played special roles in the ceremony, with George as a pageboy and Charlotte as a bridesmaid. Kate, still recovering from childbirth, looked radiant in an elegant Alexander McQueen dress, supporting her brother-in-law on his big day.

October 12, 2018: A Joyful Presence at Princess Eugenie’s Wedding

A few months after Harry and Meghan’s wedding, William and Kate attended the marriage of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, held at St. George’s Chapel. The couple displayed a rare show of affection, holding hands during the event. Years later, a clip from the wedding went viral, showing Kate smiling warmly as she watched Prince George and Princess Charlotte walk down the aisle, clearly filled with pride for her children.

November 2020: Mourning Their Dog, Lupo

In late 2020, William and Kate shared the sad news of their family dog Lupo’s passing on Instagram. “Very sadly last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away. He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much,” they wrote, adding their initials, "W & C." Lupo, a black cocker spaniel and a cherished family member, was a gift from Kate’s brother, James Middleton, and had been a devoted companion, especially to their children.

April 29, 2021: Celebrating Ten Years Together

William and Kate marked their tenth wedding anniversary by sharing two beautiful new portraits taken by photographer Chris Floyd. The couple also posted a short video clip on Instagram of their family enjoying time on the beach, thanking their followers for a decade of support. “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,” they wrote, acknowledging the journey they had shared with the public over the years.

January 9, 2022: Kate’s 40th Birthday Celebration

For Kate’s milestone 40th birthday, the couple released three stunning portraits taken by photographer Paolo Roversi. In a post on Instagram, they wrote, “Delighted to share a new portrait of The Duchess ahead of her 40th birthday tomorrow. This is one of three new portraits which will enter the permanent collection of the @nationalportraitgallery, of which The Duchess is Patron.” The portraits reflected her grace and poise, capturing Kate at this significant moment in her life.

September 9, 2022: Becoming the New Prince and Princess of Wales

Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8, 2022, William and Kate took on new titles. Initially named the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, their titles changed again the following day when King Charles III officially named them the Prince and Princess of Wales. In his first address, King Charles III expressed his pride, saying, “ "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.” This role signified an important shift in their responsibilities within the royal family.

December 2, 2022: A Special Evening at the Earthshot Prize Awards

In December 2022, William and Kate attended the Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston, Massachusetts. Their visit combined their commitment to environmental causes with a bit of romance, as they turned the trip into a date getaway. Kicking off their U.S. visit, they watched a Boston Celtics game courtside and later attended the awards ceremony, where they made a stylish appearance. Kate wore a rented neon green gown, while William chose a blue velvet suit, showing a blend of elegance and modern sustainability.

March 22, 2024: Kate Shares Her Cancer Diagnosis

On March 22, 2024, Kate made a public announcement on Instagram, revealing that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. In a heartfelt video, she said, “This, of course, came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.” Kate expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they had received and shared her commitment to facing this difficult journey with strength.

April 18, 2024: William’s Public Pledge to Support Kate

Nearly a month after Kate’s diagnosis became public, William resumed his royal duties. During a visit to a food distribution charity, a volunteer named Rachel Candappa offered her well wishes and presented cards for Kate, urging William to look after her. William responded with a heartfelt, “I will,” reaffirming his dedication to supporting Kate through her health battle.

June 14, 2024: Kate’s Health Update

In a rare and personal statement posted on Instagram on June 14, 2024, Kate provided an update on her health, thanking the public for their encouragement. “I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months,” she shared. She mentioned her progress, acknowledging both good and bad days during her chemotherapy, “On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well. My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.”

Kate also hinted at her hopes to participate in Trooping the Colour that weekend, saying, “I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.” This message gave a heartfelt glimpse into Kate’s resilience as she balanced her royal duties with her health journey.

She went on adding, “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal. Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”