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Princess Kate's dating history: from first love to family with Prince William

Take a look back at Princess Kate's relationships before her marriage to Prince William

Updated 3 days ago
Prince William and Kate Middleton waving
Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
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Prince William and Princess Kate have an incredibly strong bond and are preparing to mark their wedding anniversary on 29 April. The pair first crossed paths whilst studying in Scotland and quickly became close friends before things turned romantic. After ten years of dating and a brief split, Will popped the question in 2010 with his mother Diana's blue sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring.

The happy couple tied the knot in a stunning Westminster Abbey ceremony in 2011, before going on to welcome three children, George, Charlotte and Louis. While Kate and William's love story famously began at St Andrews, the future King wasn't Kate's first university boyfriend, but what about her other romances?

Take a look back at Princess Kate's dating history, from her first love to her final fling before settling down with William...

WATCH: Relive Prince William and Princess Kate planning their wedding
Felicity Thornhill and Harry Blakelock attend JOE COLEMAN AUTO-PORTRAIT at Dickinson New York on October 28, 2010 in New York City© Patrick McMullan

Harry Blakelock

Long before Kate met William, she dated her Marlborough College classmate Harry Blakelock. According to various reports, Harry was Kate's first love. 

The pair went their separate ways ahead of Kate's stint at St. Andrews, and the future royal was reportedly heartbroken over the break-up when she left for Florence during her gap year in 2001. 

According to The Mirror, Harry went on to marry a school friend of Kate's and is now a partner at the independent insurance broker, Lockton.

Willem Marx and Elettra Weidemann attend FENDI 80th ANNIVERSARY All Hallow's Eve Party hosted by KARL LAGERFELD at 25 Broadway on October 29, 2005 in New York City© Patrick McMullan

Willem Marx

According to reports, Kate and Willem dated during their school days at Marlborough College. 

Willem, who is now a CBS News correspondent, attended Kate's wedding to Prince William in 2011. 

Natash Rufus Isaacs and Rupert Finch attend The Ivy Chelsea Garden's Summer Garden Party on May 14, 2019 in London, England© Dave Benett

Rupert Finch

Before her romance with William, Kate reportedly dated Rupert Finch, whom she met at St Andrews. At the time, Rupert was in his fourth year of studying. The couple reportedly split after less than a year together.

Rupert now works as a lawyer in London and is married to Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs – the daughter of the Marquess of Reading and the co-founder of one of Kate's favourite fashion brands, Beulah.

Both Rupert and Natasha were guests at Prince William and Kate's wedding in 2011. 

Henry Ropner and wife Natasha Ropner
The wedding of Alice St. John Webster and Gerald Avenel, St Mary's Church, Bishop Lydeard, Somerset, Britain - 01 Jul 2012© Ikon Pictures/Shutterstock

Henry Ropner

Back in 2007, Kate and Will briefly split. During that time, Kate had a short-lived romance with Henry Ropner, the son of businessman John Ropner and one of William's Eton friends.

Since 2011, Henry has been married to Natasha Sinclair, who is the daughter of a businessman.

Prince William walking with Kate Middleton© Dave J Hogan

Prince William

William and Kate first met while studying together at the University of St Andrews, with the future Princess of Wales reportedly catching the prince's eye when she walked down the runway in a sheer dress.

The couple even moved in together for their final years in university, however, they ended up going their separate ways in 2007, due to William's military training taking up his time.

Thankfully, they reconciled later in the year and were spotted on a ski trip the following year before the prince popped the question to his bride in 2010.

Their 2011 wedding was a moment of the year and the couple have gone from strength to strength, welcoming three children: George, Charlotte and Louis.

They now live in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, where William is supporting his wife through her cancer diagnosis.

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