As members of one of the world’s most famous and important families, it’s no wonder that the Prince and Princess of Wales receive a lot of attention from the public and media.

Since the world realized they were dating, all eyes have been on them.

However, no matter how idyllic their relationship appears to be, they have had their ups and downs throughout the years.

In an interview marking their 2010 engagement, Kate Middleton remembered how their first encounter left her face “bright red.” Meanwhile, William had problems recalling the moment, saying he had to “wrack his brains.”

“I actually went bright red when I met you and scuttled off feeling very shy about meeting you,” Kate Middleton recalled.

“William wasn’t there for quite a bit of the time initially, he wasn’t there from Fresher’s Week, so it did take a bit of time for us to get to know each other.”

According to the documentary The Day Will and Kate Got Married, which premiered in April 2021, the two were simply close friends at first, but one night changed everything. Kate wore a transparent dress to a student fashion show, which wowed the Prince, and the rest is history.

“A switch had been flicked, he suddenly saw her in a different light, and I really believe that was the turning point in their relationship,” Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, Katie Nicholl, said in the documentary.

According to The Telegraph, Prince William stated: “We were friends for over a year at first, and it just sort of blossomed from there.” We just spent more time together, had a nice laugh, and discovered we shared similar interests.”

Their love was strong, and they received extensive media coverage. Kate even made a public appearance with the Royals, attending the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy, with William and her family.

And, just as everyone was expecting a royal wedding, the couple parted in 2007.

When asked about their breakup, Kate and William both said it was beneficial because it allowed them to “find themselves.” Kate even said that “you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you’re younger,” according to The Telegraph.

The two got back together in 2008 and William proposed to Kate in 2010 during a trip to Kenya with his late mother’s engagement ring.

After three children and many years together, William and Kate’s bond is as strong as ever.

In 2021, royal expert Duncan Larcombe spoke with OK! Magazine on how Prince William and Kate spend quality time together and what their date evenings are like.

“Kate and William’s relationship blossomed when they were at St Andrew’s University, doing normal student-y things and just enjoying each other’s company,” Duncan told the BBC.