Public perception in the UK is generally that Prince William and Kate Middleton are the most beloved royal couple. Having met as students at the University of St Andrews, the couple built a solid friendship before it blossomed into a romantic relationship.

Here, we have for you a timeline of their relationship milestones…

2001: Meeting at University

The couple first met whilst studying at the University of St Andrews. They both had similar interests, and became very close friends for over a year.

2002: Move in together with friends

The couple’s friendship blossomed, and they moved in together with two friends in a four-bedroom apartment. During their engagement interview, William had said: “It just sort of blossomed from there, really, we just saw more of each other, hung out a bit more and did stuff.”

2002: The relationship turns romantic

It is reported that their relationship turned romantic after Kate took part in a fashion show called ‘The Art of Seduction’, wearing a sheer see-through dress.

2003: Move in together on their own

The couple decided to move out of their four-bedroom apartment that they shared with friends, and move into a place together.

2004: The relationship goes public

Having managed to keep their relationships under wraps for a year, pictures of them both at a Ski Resort in Switzerland were published in April, and their relationship was confirmed publicly.

2007: The couple split up

After nearly five years of dating, in April 2007 it was confirmed that William and Kate had split amicably, and decided to go their separate ways.

2007: The couple get back together

Just two months after their public split, the couple reconnected at a party and made headlines that they were back together.

2010: William proposes to Kate

On the 20th October 2010, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton whilst on holiday in Kenya, in a cabin hut around 11,000 feet above sea level. When William was planning on proposing to Kate, he swapped keepsakes with his brother, Harry, in order to gift his future wife with the same engagement ring that his mother had.

2010: The couple publicly announce their engagement

An official statement was released on 16th November 2010 by Clarence House; “The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton. The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.”

2011: Prince William and Kate Middleton get married

William married Kate at Westminster Abbey on 29th April 2011. Their wedding ceremony was watched by nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide; that’s more than a sixth of the world’s population! They were also given new royal titles; the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

2011: The couple move into Kensington Palace

In July 2011, it was reported that the royal couple had officially moved into their new home; Kensington Palace.

2012: William and Kate are expecting their first child

It was announced by the Royal Family in December 2012 that the couple were expecting their first child. The official statement read “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby”.

2013: The couple welcome their first child

Kate and William’s first child, Prince George Alexander Louis, was born on 22nd July 2013, following a natural birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital.

2014: William and Kate are expecting their second child

In September 2014, it was announced that the couple were expecting their second child. The official statement read “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child”.

2015: The couple welcome their first daughter

On 2nd May 2015, the couple’s second child, and first daughter, was born, again at St Mary’s Hospital. They named their daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, in tribute of William’s grandmother and late mother.

2017: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their third child

Three years after their last baby announcement, in September 2017 it was confirmed that Kate was pregnant with their third child. The official statement read “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child”

2018: William and Kate welcome their third child

Louis Arthur Charles, the couple’s second son, was born on 23rd April 2018. Keeping with their tradition, the couple made their first appearance with their newborn son on the steps of St Mary’s Hospital, seven hours after the birth.

2022: The couple release their first official joint portrait

Commissioned by the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund, William and Kate’s first official joint portrait was revealed to the public on 23rd June 2022 at the Fitzwilliam Museum of the University of Cambridge.

2022: Prince William and Kate Middleton are given new royal titles

Following the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, it was announced on 9th September 2022 by King Charles II that the couple had adopted new royal titles; The Prince and Princess of Wales.