The News
Royal Couple Returns to University Where Love Story Began
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge revisited the University of St. Andrews, the place where their love story first took root two decades ago.
Prince William and Kate Middleton engaged with students, sharing their pandemic experiences and reminiscing about their time at St. Salvatore's, the residence where their friendship blossomed into romance.
Their journey began in their freshman year, culminating in William proposing to Kate five years after their graduation in 2005.
Celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this year, the couple, parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, exuded joy as they strolled down memory lane on campus.
Kate looked elegant in a £650 striped Urdum jumper, paired with a £549 Jade Holland Cooper blazer and £90 Veja trainers.
Earlier in the day, she had sported a £159 Barber jacket and See By Chloe boots for a land yachting race, showcasing her versatility in style.
At St. Salvatore's lawn, William and Kate engaged with students studying Geography and History of Art, the subjects they pursued during their time at the university.
They delved into the Can Do scheme, a collaborative effort between the university and the St. Andrews Students Association, aimed at empowering students to organize Covid-safe extracurricular activities and society events.
The Can Do marquee has been a hub for over 500 diverse events, offering a morale boost to the student community.
The royal couple also participated in an interfaith dialogue session with students from the School of Divinity, campus interfaith groups, and the university chaplain.
This discussion shed light on the university's commitment to fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation among its students.
Additionally, William and Kate planted the inaugural tree for the St. Andrews Forest, a pivotal initiative in the university's sustainability agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
Initiated by students on the Environmental Sustainability Board during the pandemic, the St. Andrews Forest aims to establish green spaces worldwide, providing habitats for wildlife, promoting mental well-being, and facilitating educational and research opportunities.
The forest symbolizes the university's dedication to environmental stewardship and underscores the importance of sustainable practices in higher education.
Reflecting on their journey from university students to global ambassadors, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge highlighted the significance of their alma mater in shaping their values and commitments.
As they engaged with current students and faculty members, their visit served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of education and shared experiences.