An exclusive revelation has shed new light on the very beginnings of one of the world's most celebrated royal romances, tracing its spark to a simple, two-word comment from a young Prince William.
The Fateful Fashion Show Encounter
Long before their majestic Westminster Abbey wedding captivated global audiences, Prince William and Kate Middleton were simply two nineteen-year-old freshers studying History of Art at the University of St Andrews. The year was 2002, and a charity fashion show on campus would become the unlikely setting for a royal love story to begin.
A Daring Catwalk Moment
Kate, a former pupil of Marlborough College, had agreed to participate in the charitable event. Stepping onto the runway, she wore a sheer mauve dress layered over a bandeau bikini—a bold choice that immediately caught the eye of Prince William, who was seated in the audience with friends.
According to sources close to the couple at the time, William turned to his companion and uttered two now-iconic words: "Kate's hot." This candid remark, made in the heat of the moment, reportedly marked his first clear expression of attraction towards his future wife.
Smitten from the Start
A university friend of the pair, speaking to Vanity Fair magazine, confirmed that the chemistry between them was evident from that very first encounter. "It was clear William was smitten with Kate," the friend revealed. "He actually told her she was a knockout that night, which caused her to blush."
The friend elaborated that Kate "really made an impression" on the future King, with their connection blossoming from that initial meeting into a deep and enduring partnership.
From University Sweethearts to Fashion Icons
Today, some twenty-four years later, the Princess of Wales is renowned not just for her royal duties but as a bona fide fashion icon whose influence extends far beyond palace walls. Her style evolution from university student to senior royal has been meticulously documented and widely admired.
The 'Kate Effect' Phenomenon
Kate's sartorial choices now trigger what fashion commentators term the "Kate effect"—a phenomenon where items she wears sell out almost instantaneously. Notable examples include the Reiss camel dress she selected for meeting the Obamas in 2011 and the blue Issa wrap dress worn during her and Prince William's engagement interview in 2010.
Fashion historian Rosie Harte, author of The Royal Wardrobe, observes: "The fact people can go and buy what Kate's wearing and have a little piece of royal glamour in their lives is so important. In this social media age, it's almost influencer adjacent."
Defining Royal Style
Perhaps the most iconic of Kate's fashion moments remains her wedding gown, designed by Sarah Burton, head designer at Alexander McQueen. The ivory creation featured a satin bodice and full skirt, with Buckingham Palace revealing at the time that it was "inspired by the Victorian tradition of corsetry that is a particular Alexander McQueen hallmark."
Intricate floral motifs were appliquéd onto silk net by workers at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace, making the dress a masterpiece of British craftsmanship.
Championing British Design
Rosie Harte notes that Kate has cultivated a distinct royal red-carpet aesthetic: "Kate has led the way in creating a distinct royal red-carpet look. It's not quite Hollywood, because you can tell she's still a princess. But it's cooler and more fashionable than in the past and she has fun with it."
The Princess of Wales has become a noted champion of British design talent, regularly wearing creations by designers including Jenny Packham, Emilia Wickstead, Catherine Walker, and Alexander McQueen. "People usually think of Paris and Milan when it comes to fashion," observes Harte, "but we have this incredible pool of talent in Britain, and Kate shines a light on it."
From a blushing university student hearing a prince's admiring comment to becoming a global style ambassador, Kate Middleton's journey continues to fascinate, with that initial "Kate's hot" remark now taking its place in royal romance lore.
