Once upon a time, in the hallowed halls of St Andrews University, a future king met a girl who would one day become his queen. The love story of the Prince and Princess of Wales reads like a modern-day fairy tale, full of sweet moments, steadfast friendship, and sparkling romance.
It all began in 2001, when both enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Sharing a love for the outdoors, sports, and a good laugh, Will and Kate quickly became close friends. Legend has it that William first glimpsed Catherine in a new light during a charity fashion show, where she dazzled in a daring dress. Friendship soon blossomed into romance, and by 2003, whispers of a royal romance had begun.
Their relationship weathered the usual challenges of youth and the extraordinary pressures of royal life. Even a brief split in 2007 couldn’t keep them apart; rather, it strengthened their bond. By 2010, the world swooned when William proposed during a holiday in Kenya, offering Kate his mother, Princess Diana’s, iconic sapphire engagement ring—a touching nod to family and tradition.
On April 29, 2011, millions worldwide watched in delight as the couple wed at Westminster Abbey. Kate glided down the aisle in a breathtaking lace gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, while William stood waiting, dashing in his red Irish Guards uniform. Their stolen glances and shy smiles were pure magic — a real-life fairy tale come true.
Today, the Prince and Princess of Wales are not just a royal couple, but a dynamic team, balancing public duties with raising their three adorable children. Through it all, their relationship remains a beacon of warmth, laughter, and enduring love, proof that sometimes, the best love stories begin with friendship, a little patience, and a lot of heart.
To celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary, we’ve dug through the archives and found some of our favourite photos of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
1. The biggest wedding in history
Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge journey by carriage procession to Buckingham Palace following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London | Getty Images
2. A secret escape!
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand from Buckingham Palace the day after their wedding to a waiting helicopter as they leave for a secret honeymoon location, on April 30, 2011 in London | Getty Images
3. Keeping it cool
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge drive from Buckingham Palace in a decorated sports car on April 29, 2011 in London | Getty Images
4. Great British (Welsh) Cake Off
Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales react as they make Welsh Cakes, watched by Theresa Connor, owner of the The Welsh Cake Shop during a visit to Pontypridd Market on February 26, 2025 in Pontypridd, Wales. | Getty Images