It was dubbed by the press as the moment Prince William knew Kate Middleton was ‘the one’. Now, it’s being relived in The Crown’s sixth and final season, introducing a new audience to the now-Prince and Princess of Wales’s fairytale love story. We’re, of course, referring to the impromptu charity catwalk held in 2002 at Scotland’s Saint Andrews College.
The Duchess and Prince both attended the prestigious university and majored in Art History, where they connected as first years before flatting together in an off-campus terraced share house. (“I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you,” Middleton confessed during a 2010 interview about their kismet encounter in September 2001.)
But, it was on the precipice of concluding their freshmen courses when the wheels of their burgeoning romance were set into motion. The fundraising fashion show arguably changed the course of both their lives, with Middleton eschewing her primed demeanour and sporting a dress that caught the eye of her future husband. As they say, the rest is history.
Before Netflix’s fictional adaptation of the event lands on the small screen, we’re revisiting the truth behind the sartorial scandal. From Middleton’s infamous hairpiece to Prince William’s reaction, reacquaint yourself with Middleton’s “royal flush” ahead.
The Sheer Dress Seen Around The World
While Middleton’s sheer dress sold at a 2011 auction for over £65,000 (or $122,532AUD), the gossamer garment had humble origins. The piece, made from a transparent knitted fabric and blue ribbon, was made by Middleton’s friend Charlotte Tod for less than £50.
It’s unclear whether the dress, which was part of a university assignment, was made with Middleton in mind, or how the future Queen ended up wearing that specific garment. Whatever the story, but it proved to cement William’s feelings towards her.
Speaking to the press, Tod shared that the task “was called ‘The Art of Seduction,’ which is quite apt”. “I didn’t know who Kate Middleton was and I didn’t put her in it. It was just pure chance,” she added. “Everyone says that the fashion show was when the romance started, so a small part of me will always be part of royal history. It’s madness!”
A Front Row Rendezvous
As you’ll see in The Crown, Prince William paid £200 for a front-row ticket at the charity event. It’s not confirmed if Prince William had prior knowledge that Kate would walk the show, however, the serendipitous encounter catapulted their relationship from platonic to romantic.
The event is dubbed as the moment Prince William realised Middleton was ‘the one’, though neither royal has addressed those reports. Meg Bellamy, the 21-year-old actress portraying Middleton in The Crown shared she felt “apprehensive” about “reliving a key event”. Understandably so, considering the moment was so integral to Kate and Wills’ story.
A Mother’s Touch…?
Their university love story is arguably the ideal modern-day fairytale meet-cute. However, it’s believed the pair may have never crossed paths without the assistance of Middleton’s mother, Carole. The former party planner reportedly encouraged her eldest daughter to attend St. Andrew’s after learning Prince William would be attending the college.
