After meeting at St Andrew’s University in Edinburgh, rumours of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s romance soon made front pages and they have kept their love alive ever since

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been together for more than two decades – but how do they keep the spark alive?

The Royal pair have previously revealed that in the early stages of their relationship, they would enjoy intimate conversations over home-cooked meals. Nowadays, they relish sailing holidays, roast dinners, and extended weekends at their Norfolk residence.

Their love story became public knowledge just over 20 years ago when photos surfaced of a dashing young prince getting cosy with a stunning brunette on a T-bar ski lift. The connection between them was palpable a hushed chat, gloved hands brushing against each other, and both donning what appeared to be coordinated outfits.

This was proof that William had finally won over his lady love a fact that was highlighted by a tabloid headline that didn’t sit well with the Palace. Until then, Kate and William, who were both studying at the University of St Andrews, had successfully kept their romance a secret, despite sharing a secluded cottage.

The nation was captivated by William’s charmingly unassuming pick the girl-next-door Kate Middleton. As their two-year romance became public, people were eager to learn more about the former Marlborough College student who captured the princes heart, reports OK!.

There was a buzz as both Middleton and Goldsmith family trees were scrutinised, highlighting Carole Middleton’s past as an air hostess.

But what was the spark for the future king with Kate?

Initially a bit standoffish at St Andrews, William started blossoming socially within Kate’s circle of well-heeled friends. Their relationship evolved from platonic to romantic as they cohabitated on 13a Hope Street.

Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe reveals: “William was really very starry-eyed about Kate and they brought out the best in each other in many ways. William is quite shy and can be reserved around new people. He’s very cautious, and in that way they are quite similar characters. Their relationship blossomed on spaghetti bolognese and rain-swept beaches.”

Yet, Kate had much more to offer than just her attractive personality and looks. William found a sense of familial stability and warmth with the Middletons – a stark contrast to his life surrounded by the magnificence of the monarchy.

Royal pundit Hugo Vickers shared: “We’ve always been told that Prince William found the Middleton household very convenient, in the sense that he felt it had a sort of a normality that his own upbringing hadn’t particularly had.”

Adding to the insight, Duncan went on: “It’s easy to underestimate the role the Middletons have played in William’s life. Yes, he fell in love with Kate at university, but frankly he fell in love with the Middleton family as well. They were the family he has never had the mum, dad and three kids spending time together and going on family holidays. It was a new world he’d not experienced before.

“The biggest proof of the influence they’ve had on William is that he and Kate are following the Middleton model as they bring up their three children, sending them to the same school and keeping them all close together.”