Secret Identities: How Prince William and Princess Catherine Kept Their Romance Under Wraps

In a surprising twist of royal life, Princess Catherine and Prince William opted for some clever pseudonyms to keep their love story under wraps during their university days.

In his latest book, “Catherine, the Princess of Wales,” author Robert Jobson reveals fascinating details about the couple's attempts to enjoy a normal relationship while navigating the pressures of royal scrutiny.

Back in the early 2000s, when they were both students at the University of St Andrews, Prince William often whisked Catherine away for romantic getaways.

They shared a cozy off-campus apartment with two fellow students, but that didn't stop William from wanting to steal moments away just for the two of them.

Jobson shares that they would sometimes check into hotels, using the names Mr. and Mrs. Smith—a choice that likely raised a few eyebrows, given its pop culture connections.

Interestingly, the couple's choice of pseudonyms coincided with the release of the film “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” which starred Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

However, it's unlikely that the royal couple took inspiration from the movie.

They graduated in 2005, suggesting their hotel antics predated the film's debut.

Plus, “Mr.

and Mrs. Smith” is a pretty common name in the UK, so they might have thought it was a safe bet.

But the Mr. Smith alias wasn't the only identity Prince William tried on for size.

According to Jobson, when he first entered university in 2001, he adopted the name Steve.

It seems like a rather desperate attempt to blend in and escape the spotlight that followed him everywhere.

Catherine was in on the act too, playing along with the ruse as they both craved a taste of normalcy amid the chaos surrounding their lives.

As their relationship deepened, they sought more secluded spots to reconnect.

Jobson notes that they often escaped to Highgrove, Sandringham, or a quaint cottage on the Balmoral Estate.

These retreats allowed them to nurture their bond away from prying eyes, making their relationship feel a bit more private.

Another intriguing chapter of their romance unfolded during a vacation to the Seychelles in 2007.

Andrew Morton, in his biography of the couple, mentions that they used the names Martin and Rose Middleton for this trip.

This getaway came at a pivotal moment when they were reconciling after a brief breakup earlier that year.

During that idyllic week in the Seychelles, the couple reportedly renewed their commitment to each other.