Their fairy tale romance has kept everyone captivated, from their early years at the University of St. Andrews to their gorgeous wedding in 2011 at historic Westminster Abbey.
Now, five years on from that magical wedding day, we’re taking a look back at some of the most iconic moments of William and Kate’s love story in pictures.
After meeting as fresh-faced university students in Scotland, where the two were friends and flatmates, the pair embarked on a romance that quickly caught the attention of the world. After an initially rocky start – and several highly-publicised splits – it was clear that William and Kate were besotted with one another.
In 2010, William popped the question during a romantic trip to Africa with a very special ring that had previously belonged to Princess Diana. The next year, they wed in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey that was screened to an audience of millions all around the world, with Kate looking stunning in a sweeping gown designed by Alexander McQueen.
Flash forward several years, and the couple are now proud parents to two adorable children – Prince George, 2, and Princess Charlotte, who will celebrate her first birthday on May 2. The arrival of their son and daughter has only brought William and Kate closer, with the Prince gushing about his wife during an interview with Sky News last year.
“It’s fantastic having a little family, I’m so thrilled,” he revealed, adding that Kate has been doing “an amazing job” as a mother.
With his new role as a father taking centre stage, it’ s no surprise that the couple have also lent their support to a variety of charitable causes and organisations providing aid to young people. Duchess Catherine has been a vocal advocate for children’s mental health, and more recently, Kensington Palace announced the Prince would be spearheading an industry-led taskforce to support young people affected by cyberbullying.
“This is an issue that The Duke feels strongly about,” the palace said in a statement.
“He knows that social media and other technologies are creating significant positive opportunities for millions of young people. But as a parent, he knows that many people worry about how to protect their children from the new avenues for bullying that technology is creating. He hopes the taskforce can help the industry share the best practice that is emerging across the sector and put in place new standards so that the Internet remains something young people and their parents can embrace with confidence.”
Click through to see our round-up of Kate and William’s most romantic moments
Kate and Will
Kate Middleton and Prince William pose together on the day of their graduation ceremony at St Andrew’s University on June 23, 2005.
November 2010: A beaming Kate and Will at the official announcement of their engagement.
April 2011: It was the wedding watched around the world, as the Duke and Duchess tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.
The bride wore a stunning ivory gown designed by Alexander McQueen.
William places the ring on Kate’s finger as the guests look on.
Sealed with a kiss! The newly married couple lean in for a kiss on the balcony after the ceremony.
November 2011: The Duke and Duchess visit a UNICEF emergency supply centre in Copenhagen, Denmark.
September 2012: William and Kate get some dancing tips during their Diamond Jubilee Tour of Tuvalu.
July 2013: Prince William and Catherine pictured with a newborn Prince George outside St Mary’s Hospital in London.
THE ROYAL FAMILY HAVE SHARED SOME SNAPS FROM THEIR FIRST FAMILY-OF-FOUR HOLIDAY IN THE SNOW
August 2013: The Duke and Duchess pose with their son in the garden of the Middleton family home in Berkshire.
April 2014: The Duke and Duchess at a war memorial in Blenheim during their tour of New Zealand and Australia.
April 2014: William and Kate smile despite the rain as they arrive at the Viaduct Basin in Auckland.
April 2014: Kate and William sample Otago wine during their tour of New Zealand in 2014.
April 2014: Kate and William are pictured taking a stroll around Ayers Rock in Australia.
July 2014: The royal family celebrate Prince George’s first birthday at the Natural History Museum in London.
March 2015: Catherine and William at the St Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks in England.
March 2015: Duchess Catherine wears a vibrant pink coat as they attend an event in South London.
May 2015: The ecstatic parents pose for photos with their newborn daughter, Princess Charlotte, after her birth.
July 2015: Kate waves to well-wishers lined up to see the family attend Princess Charlotte’s christening.
October 2015: The royals attend the UK premiere of Spectre.
March 2016
March 2016: Cheese! The family pose for an adorable photo together during a ski trip to the French Alps.
Look at those rosy cheeks! The royal tots pose with their proud parents for another photo.
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April 2016
April 2016: George (sitting on the rocking horse that was a gift from President Obama at his birth) looks up at Kate in this shot captured during the Obamas’ visit to Kensington Palace for a private dinner with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
How adorable is little George in his bathrobe and pyjamas?
April 2016: The couple have fun with locals during their tour of India.
Kate dons a stunning blue gown as she attends a reception at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel with her husband.
The Duke and Duchess take some time for a stroll together during a visit to the Kaziranga National Park in the Indian state of Assam.
The couple stop for a brief rest during their hike to see the Tiger’s Nest monastery in Bhutan.
In Bhutan, the couple tried their hand at archery – with hilarious results!
Kate and William pose for an iconic photo in front of the Taj Mahal, recreating the same snapshot taken of Princess Diana 24 years before.
The couple visited the iconic site at the end of their first official tour of India and Bhutan.
Prince William talks about parenthood and life back at work
April 2016: Kate, William and Harry get the giggles as they appear in a charity video for the London Marathon.
