Prince William and Kate Middleton is a love story we all know and cherish. And after all of these years, it’s impossible to picture one without the other.
But years ago, it seems things could have easily went in a different route. If it hadn’t of been for King Charles (then Prince Charles), the pair never would have even met.
Prince William’s decision could have impacted marriage with Kate
Prince William and Kate met at the University of St. Andrews way back in 2001. The pair lived in the same dormitory at the time, and quickly became a huge part of each other’s lives.
Their friendship flourished and within a year of meeting, they reportedly began dating. And while it may have been rocky at the start, they look stronger than ever now.
But it’s been reported that Prince William actually felt “unsteady” during his first term. And so, the 19-year-old tried to move to a different university – until his father Charles stopped him.
In his book, Battle of the Brothers, royal author Robert Lacey explained that Prince William’s decision could have changed the course of his life.
Colleen Harris, the former press secretary to King Charles, explained: “I think he was really nervous when he arrived. all the press were there – cameras from all over the world. And it suddenly hit him. He was very unsteady for a while after that.”
William’s dislike for his university got so extreme that he would leave as often as he could for home visits. Then, he reportedly told Charles that he wanted to move to University of Edinburgh.
But it seemed this decision didn’t exactly go down well with those around him. And so Charles sat him down for a one-to-one conversation. Then, William made the decision to stay at that university – but changed his major from art history to geography.
Speaking about the conversation with his father, William said in 2003: “I don’t think I was homesick. I was more daunted.”
He added: “I went home and talked to my father during the holidays and throughout that time debated about whether to come back – not seriously, seriously debating it – but it did cross my mind.
“My father was very understanding about it and realised I had the same problem as he had probably had. We chatted a lot and in the end we both realised – I definitely realised – that I had to come back.”
This one decision meant Prince William stayed in Kate Middleton’s life and if he had have left, their marriage may not have happened.
When did Prince William and Kate get married?
The wedding of Prince William and Kate took place on April 29, 2011 – 14 years ago. And it was one for the history books.
Kate opted to travel by car with her dad, Michael Middleton, on her wedding day – instead of by carriage.
The princess looked stunning in her custom made Alexander McQueen dress designed by creative director Sarah Burton. The floor-length ivory dress had been kept quiet until the wedding ceremony.
As for the ceremony itself, it took place at Westminster Abbey – the same place William’s grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip married in 1947. And it was also the same place where his mother, Princess Diana’s funeral was held in 1997.
The whole day was full of love and happiness. And looking back, we’re sure Prince William is glad he didn’t change university after all – otherwise his marriage to Kate may never have happened!
