Prince William's First Words to Kate Middleton Were Hilariously Awkward
Prince William and Kate Middleton met at the University of St Andrews in 2001—but William's initial introduction to Kate didn't exactly go smoothly.


Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship had an ever so slightly awkward start, according to a new documentary about the couple. The future Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met at the University of St Andrews in Scotland in 2001, where they lived in the same halls of residence and often shared classes together, as the Mirror reports. But William's introduction to Kate didn't go as smoothly as he might have hoped; in fact, it was kind of hilarious.
According to royal memoirist Tom Quinn, who spoke in the British documentary William & Kate: Too Good To Be True?, the future Duke came close to hitting the ground as he approached Kate for the first time. "One of the funny stories is he was so desperate to meet her that as he walked towards her, he apparently tripped and said, 'Oh that's a terrible start, you're going to think I'm a complete clot,'" Quinn said. How quaint!
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)
A photo posted by on
Evidently, Kate was charmed by William all the same—and he went on to impress her with his student cooking, as People reports. Speaking to Mary Berry in their holiday special A Berry Royal Christmas, Kate said, "In our university days he used to cook all sorts of meals. I think that’s when he was trying to impress me." And his dishes of choice? "Things like bolognese sauce and things like that."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
The "Frightening" Easter Prank William Played on Eugenie
"Prince William has just stood on a chair and bitten the mouse's head off."
By Amy Mackelden
-
A Resurfaced Photo Reveals Charlotte's Royal Lookalike
"The Spencer genes are so strong."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Prince Andrew Attended Royal Family's Easter Service
It was previously alleged King Charles's "patience was wearing thin" with his brother.
By Amy Mackelden
-
The "Frightening" Easter Prank Prince William Once Played on Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice
"Prince William has just stood on a chair and bitten the mouse's head off."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William's Decision to Skip Easter Has "Raised Eyebrows at the Palace"
"It feels like a deliberate move and even a snub."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince William Once Twinned With Mom Princess Diana on Easter Sunday in the Cutest Throwback Photo
The future king wore one of his mom's favorite designers.
By Kristin Contino
-
Will Prince Louis be Granted a Title from Dad Prince William That's "Tainted With Sadness"—or Will He Get a Dukedom at All?
Royal historian Jessica Storoschuk tells 'Marie Claire' what Prince Louis and Prince George's future titles could look like.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Could Take Legal Action Over These Spring Break Photos
Paparazzi snapped pictures of the family during their secret French getaway.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince George Looks Just Like a Young Prince William During Fun Night Out with His Dad and Billionaire Godfather
The 11-year-old joined his father and the Duke of Westminster for an exciting football match in Birmingham.
By Kristin Contino
-
Why King Charles Abdicating Would Cause a "Crisis" for Prince William and the Royal Family
Princess Kate and Prince William have been preparing "for their future positions as king and queen."
By Amy Mackelden
-
James Middleton Reveals Middleton Family "Prerequisite" Prince William Met Before Marrying Kate
Princess Kate's little brother opened up about one of his brother-in-law's personality traits.
By Kristin Contino