A Drinking Game Forced Princess Kate and Prince William to Confirm Their Romantic Relationship, Source Says
\201cIt was the first time William confirmed his and Kate’s relationship in public.\201d


Like most celebrities or members of a monarchy thrown under an endless spotlight, Prince William and Princess Kate tried to keep the beginning of their romantic relationship under wraps.
They were somewhat successful, royal biographer Robert Jobson writes in his new book, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, until the pair attended a dinner party with friends where those in attendance decided to partake in the popular drinking game, "Never Have I Ever."
According to Jobson, Carly Massy-Birth, one of the Prince of Wales' ex-girlfriends, was also present, and during the confessional-like game revealed Prince William and Kate Middleton were dating.
"Perhaps unwittingly, Carly exposed William’s secret love affair with Catherine, much to the prince’s chagrin," Jobson writes in his biography, as reported by People.
In 2002, royal biographer Katie Nicholl made the same claim in her book The Making of a Royal Romance.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
"She announced, 'I’ve never dated two people in this room,’ knowing full well that William was the only one who had because Kate was sitting next to him," a source who attended the party told the author, before adding that that every single one of the party guests were "in shock."
The same source alleged that in response, Prince William shot his ex-girlfriend a "thunderous look" before whispering under his breath: "I can't believe you just said that."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"We knew they were together," the source continued at the time, "but it was the first time William confirmed his and Kate’s relationship in public."
While the public revelation was a shock, it wasn't what anyone at the time could consider "breaking news."
"Among the student community, it was an open secret that they were a couple," Jacobson writes, adding that the Prince and Princess of Wales frequently spent time together, be it walking to class, going grocery shopping or listening to music in the evenings.
The pair first met in 2001 while studying at St. Andrews University in Scotland. According to prevailing rumors, William "won Middleton over" after paying £200 for a front row seat to watch his future bride walk down the runway during a student fashion show for charity.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
According to The Crown historian Robert Lacey, their initial meeting and subsequent courtship was no accident—Middleton was allegedly "strategic" when it came to her relationship with the future King.
“Kate was very strategic,” Lacey said, as reported by Elle. “She gave up her place at one of Britain’s premier universities, Edinburgh, and opted for another one that probably didn’t have the same academic standard.
"She had already been to Edinburgh to get her flat accommodations sorted out but switched universities and switched her courses to history of art because that was William’s," he continued. "She delayed her own education by a year and even takes the chance she won’t get into St. Andrews.”
Whether by chance or calculated choice, things have apparently worked out for the couple, who recently celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary.

Danielle Campoamor is Marie Claire's weekend editor covering all things news, celebrity, politics, culture, live events, and more. In addition, she is an award-winning freelance writer and former NBC journalist with over a decade of digital media experience covering mental health, reproductive justice, abortion access, maternal mortality, gun violence, climate change, politics, celebrity news, culture, online trends, wellness, gender-based violence and other feminist issues. You can find her work in The New York Times, Washington Post, TIME, New York Magazine, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, TODAY, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, InStyle, Playboy, Teen Vogue, Glamour, The Daily Beast, Mother Jones, Prism, Newsweek, Slate, HuffPost and more. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and their two feral sons. When she is not writing, editing or doom scrolling she enjoys reading, cooking, debating current events and politics, traveling to Seattle to see her dear friends and losing Pokémon battles against her ruthless offspring. You can find her on X, Instagram, Threads, Facebook and all the places.
-
Hailey Bieber Styles a Bubble-Hem Trench as a Mini Dress
She's a styling genius.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Jennifer Lopez's Free People Shout-Out Is Going Viral
But not for the reasons you'd expect.
By Halie LeSavage
-
James Middleton Shares Why He Was "Breathless and Flustered" During Meeting With Queen Elizabeth
"I heard a snort of laughter and looked past the Queen to see everyone in the room stifling their giggles."
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
-
Royal Expert Explains Why Prince George Is Seen Publicly More Often Than Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
"It is important for the royal image that you have this balance."
By Amy Mackelden
-
The Alleged "Olive Branch" Prince Harry Offered to Kate Middleton and Prince William During U.K. Visit
The Duke of Sussex's decision was reportedly an effort "to make peace."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Lip Reader Reveals the "Disapproving" Comment Queen Elizabeth Allegedly Made During Kate Middleton and Prince William's Wedding
She reportedly had lots of nice things to say, too.
By Amy Mackelden