From college sweethearts to a future King and Queen Consort, Prince William and Princess Kate are the definition of a modern royal love story. The pair first crossed paths whilst studying at a university in Scotland and became friends before things turned romantic. After nearly a decade of dating and a brief split, William popped the question in 2010 during a private holiday in Kenya with his late mother Princess 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 Catherine and William's love story famously began at St Andrews, the heir to the British throne wasn't Catherine's first university boyfriend. So, what about her other romances?
Take a look back at the Princess of Wales' dating history, from her first love to her final fling before settling down with William...
© Patrick McMullanHarry Blakelock
Long before Catherine met William, she dated her Marlborough College classmate Harry Blakelock. According to various reports, Harry was Catherine's first love.
The pair went their separate ways ahead of the Princess' 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 Catherine's and is now a partner at the independent insurance broker, Lockton.
© Patrick McMullanWillem Marx
According to reports, Catherine and Willem dated during their school days at Marlborough College.
Willem, who is now a CBS News correspondent, attended the Princess' wedding to Prince William in 2011.
© Dave BenettRupert Finch
Before her romance with William, Catherine 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 the royal's favourite fashion brands, Beulah.
Both Rupert and Natasha were guests at Prince William and Catherine's wedding in 2011.
© Ikon Pictures/ShutterstockHenry Ropner
Back in 2007, Catherine and William briefly split. During that time, she 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.
© Dave J HoganPrince William
William and Catherine 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.
The pair ended up reconciling later in the year and were spotted on a ski trip the following year. William proposed to his college sweetheart in 2010 and they wed in 2011.
Since tying the knot, the Prince and Princess have welcomed three children: George, Charlotte and Louis.
William was by his wife's side supporting her as she underwent chemotherapy in 2024. When she first announced her treatment, the Princess said: "Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance."
The Prince of Wales has previously said their "family couldn't cope without her."
The couple and their kids, minus George who is now at Eton, live in Forest Lodge in Windsor.
