**Prince William and Catherine: A Love Story Unveiled**

The public has been captivated by the enduring love story of Prince William and Catherine, tracing back to their first encounter at the University of St Andrews in 2001.

However, it was not until a striking image of the couple skiing together in 2004, released by The Sun, that the spotlight truly shone on their relationship.

In a significant declaration to the world, exactly 12 years ago, the Prince and Princess of Wales announced their engagement, with Catherine proudly displaying the stunning sapphire ring that once belonged to William's beloved late mother, Princess Diana.

This momentous occasion was commemorated with a rare interview with ITV's Tom Bradby, where the couple delved into the evolution of their friendship into a deep and abiding love.

During the intimate conversation, William recounted his romantic proposal in Kenya and reflected on a temporary breakup they experienced in 2007.

Interestingly, in the interview, William affectionately referred to his future wife as “Kate,” a moniker he now seldom uses in public.

Despite this, many still fondly refer to her by this name, which harks back to her university days.

Since their grand wedding ceremony in April 2011, William has predominantly addressed his wife as “Catherine” in public settings, a preference mirrored by the princess herself when introducing herself to others.

Even in a recent interaction with a young child who inquired about her name, she promptly responded with “Catherine,” showcasing her commitment to her formal title.

Reflecting on their initial meeting at St Andrews University, it became evident that while William struggled to recall the specifics of their first encounter, Catherine vividly remembered feeling shy and flustered in his presence.

Their bond deepened over time, evolving from close friends to lifelong partners despite a brief separation during their university years.

In a candid admission, William revealed that he initially hesitated to seek Catherine's father's blessing for their union, fearing a potential refusal.

However, the couple navigated through this uncertainty, with Michael Middleton expressing his fondness and approval of William.

Catherine, in turn, shared her amusing experience of uncertainty regarding her mother's knowledge of the engagement.

William's meticulous planning for the proposal was evident as he carried the engagement ring with him for three weeks, ensuring its safekeeping until the perfect moment arrived.

This attention to detail culminated in their enchanting wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011, where Catherine exuded elegance in an ivory silk tulle Alexander McQueen gown.

Following their nuptials, the couple welcomed three adorable children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – further solidifying their bond as a growing family.

William's heartfelt sentiments at the UK-Africa Investment Summit underscored the profound significance of Africa in their love story, where he chose to propose in Kenya, a place rich with personal memories and symbolism.