Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Early Housing Hurdles at University

The love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton, which blossomed at the University of St Andrews, almost hit a snag during their second year.

While they were both living at St Salvator's Halls of Residence in their first year, plans for cohabitation took an unexpected turn due to a landlord's restrictions.

The couple's romance began as they navigated university life together.

After their initial year, they decided to rent a house with two friends, Fergus Boyd and Olivia Bleasdale.

However, the landlord had reservations about renting to young men, stemming from a previous experience with male tenants that left her wary.

Kate, determined to secure their living arrangement, stepped up to address the landlord's concerns.

During a viewing, she learned about the landlord's reluctance to allow male tenants.

The landlord, Charlotte Smith, recounted her prior troubles with male residents, including damaged furniture and broken windows, which made her hesitant to repeat the experience.

But Kate had a clever solution.

She mentioned that one of the prospective tenants was none other than Prince William.

This revelation changed the game.

After some deliberation, Smith and her husband agreed to let William and Fergus move in, with the landlord later describing William as “a very friendly, very charming, thoroughly nice man.”

With that hurdle cleared, the couple settled into their rented home at 13A Hope Street, close to the university.

Their living situation evolved further when they chose to move to Balgove House for their third and fourth years.

This sprawling estate, owned by a distant cousin of William's, provided a more secure environment for the young couple.

Balgove House offered not just privacy but also safety, with unmarked police cars patrolling the grounds and the house itself fortified with bomb-proof doors and windows.

It was a far cry from the typical student accommodation, yet it allowed them to enjoy their university experience without constant scrutiny.

Despite the heightened security, the couple embraced their social lives.

They loved hosting friends at Balgove House, even installing a champagne fridge to entertain their guests.

It was a unique blend of royal privilege and youthful exuberance.

Fast forward to today, and the couple has come a long way since their university days.

In 2022, they moved to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate, where they now raise their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

This charming cottage, built in 1831, has a rich history and was once a favorite retreat of Queen Victoria.

Adelaide Cottage has undergone significant renovations, boasting elaborate decorations, including a master bedroom ceiling adorned with gilded dolphins.

It's a far cry from their student digs, yet it reflects the couple's enduring connection to their roots while stepping into their royal roles.

As they navigate parenthood and royal duties, the foundation of their relationship—built during those formative years at university—remains strong.

Their journey from student life to royal responsibilities showcases not just their love story but also the challenges they've overcome together.