Kate Middleton stepped in and ‘took control’ after Prince William disaster

EXCLUSIVE: Kate Middleton stepped in and ‘took control’ after Prince William disasterThe early days of Kate Middleton and Prince William's weren't always plain sailing, and the pair once opened up about their early days and life at universityCommentsNewsMitya Underwood Senior Celebrity & Royal Writer07:00, 19 Apr 2026View 7 ImagesKate Middleton stepped in and ‘took control’ after Prince William disaster(Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)When William and Kate unpacked their bags as freshers at St Salvator’s hall of residence at the University of St Andrews in 2001, it was the start of what has become a romance of the ages. Both 19 and fresh from their action-packed gap years, the now Prince and Princess of Wales were both enrolled to study History of Art, and with mutual interests and friends they quickly struck up a bond.‌Kate’s recollection of their first meeting hinted at feelings stronger than friendship. In their 2010 engagement interview, she said, “Well, I actually think I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you.”‌As they entered their second year, at which point William switched from History of Art to Geography, they moved to a private rental apartment with two friends: Olivia Beasdale and Fergus Boyd, who is now one of Prince George ’s godfathers.‌View 7 ImagesThe pair met as young students in Scotland, and are now approaching their 15th wedding anniversary(Image: Getty Images)The flat is located on one of the grandest streets of the historic town, and was specially-fitted with bulletproof windows and a bomb-proof front door. Interestingly, their landlady later revealed she almost declined the group’s application because she was “determined not to have young men there again” after some previous tenants damaged the property.However, after a change of heart, it was within the walls of this two-storey townhouse at 13a Hope Street that things between William and Kate “just sort of blossome...