Prince William paid nearly $300 at a charity auction to date Kate Middleton, a moment that would eventually define the course of a royal romance.
At the University of St. Andrews, where she studied from 2001 to 2005, Kate Middleton not only found her academic pursuits but also a deep friendship with Prince William. Their bond was initially forged through camaraderie, marked by moments of kindness and support.
“He was being very polite, but it was obvious he was trying to figure out how to get out of the situation. And Kate just walks across the room and puts her arms around him. It enabled him to turn to this girl, and he was just like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, I have a girlfriend.’ And then he turns to Kate, and he’s like, ‘Thank you!’”
Warshauer recalls, “That was so early on in the year, I don’t even think they were dating. They had pretty much just met and formed a friendship. But I remember even thinking at that moment that was just so natural the way that she did that.”
Laura Warshauer, an artist and singer-songwriter from New Jersey, has recently released a workbook titled “My Creativity is Killing Me.” This book aspires to inspire individuals to transform their dreams into tangible realities. Alongside her artistic journey, she holds cherished memories involving one of the world’s most recognizable couples.
“I think there was chemistry – it was obvious,” she remarked about the royal couple. “You just feel like these two people have known each other forever. There was an energy there.”
Warshauer found it easy to build a connection with Kate as they both navigated the challenges of life as students in the U.K., studying art history amidst the centuries-old walls of St Andrews.
“My initial impression was that of someone beautiful inside and out,” Warshauer shared. “What the world has gotten to experience is that warmth and authenticity. I knew Will and Kate as incredibly approachable, relatable people who sparked genuine conversations.”
“It was surprisingly normal… We all lived in the dorm together. They were genuinely kind, compassionate individuals. It felt so refreshing,” she recalls, emphasizing the authenticity of that time.
In those early years, Warshauer witnessed how passion for creativity resonated through Kate.
“I remember chatting in her tiny dorm room, where she displayed beautiful photographs she had taken,” Warshauer said. “When I was preparing an audition tape for a CBS soap opera, Kate was so generous that she offered her help, turning it into a fun project. We visited the little photography shop in town together—those moments felt truly special.”
“I used to bring my guitar; I even taught Kate a few chords. We would whip up dinners—my mom’s lasagna was a big hit, along with Aunt Mary’s famous toffee. It was this camaraderie that made the entire experience feel like home.”
Through casual gatherings, Warshauer observed how Kate and William grew closer over the years. They moved in together with friends during their second year, intertwining their lives in ways that felt natural.
“I think there was chemistry—it was evident between them… You feel like those two people have known each other forever. There was an energy there.”
It was at one of these events, a fashion show, where sparks truly ignited. Reports reveal that Kate, stunning in a sheer dress and black bikini, caught William’s eye while walking the runway. His immediate façade of indifference evaporated as admiration filled the room.
“I remember attending a whimsical Harry Potter-themed party at a castle,” said Warshauer. “At that auction, Will bid 200 pounds for a date with Kate. Even at that early stage, you could sense the connection they shared,” she chuckled, memories flooding her mind like old friends.
Warshauer describes Kate’s consistent warmth as a significant attraction. “I remember feeling down when a moment slipped away from the group. She noticed immediately, breaking away just to put her arm around me. I felt like she genuinely cared,” she said, reflecting on the depth of their friendship.
William, too, left an impression of genuine kindness. Warshauer recalled, “Once, when Kate and I were supposed to share a taxi to the airport, Will offered her a ride, and I joined. He flicked on the radio and said, ‘Laura, you can sing along—no one else does. You’re the one with the voice.’”
His thoughtful gestures, from helping with luggage to surprise birthday gifts, further showcased the ease with which he connected with others—a sense of normalcy wrapped in warmth. “He bought my first Jack and Coke at a pub!” she gleefully recalled.
The pair’s relationship blossomed into the public eye in 2004, although they experienced a brief separation in 2007, during which William remarked, “We were trying to find our own way.” However, love proved resilient, and they were soon back together.
In 2010, during a heartfelt holiday in Kenya, William proposed to Kate with his late mother’s cherished engagement ring—a poignant moment that resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
“I wasn’t surprised at all,” Warshauer chuckled, reflecting on their destined connection. “We saw how ‘meant to be’ they were, perfectly matched. Great relationships flourish from a friendship.”
“They drew toward each other and quietly blossomed amid the beauty surrounding St Andrews, knowing each other as people before love took root,” she mused.
On April 29, 2011, the Prince and Princess of Wales exchanged vows, solidifying their love. Today, they are proud parents to three children, William, 42, now preparing to inherit the throne.
According to Warshauer, the future Queen holds a wealth of promise. “She’s already shown the world who she is,” she remarked with a sense of pride. “Kate embodies courage, tackling each role with grace—be it as a royal, a spouse, or a mother.”
Warshauer warmly reflected on the extraordinary moments shared with two people who genuinely wish to make a difference in the world. “We existed in such a magical bubble—it felt innocent… what we witness today is the authentic connection between them. It’s a beautiful tale of love, and I’m grateful for the chance to have known them both,” she concluded, feeling a subtle smile beneath her words.
