Prince William’s ‘hidden reason’ for falling in love with Kate Middleton is not what you think

When Prince William first met Kate Middleton at St Andrews University in Scotland, he was a reserved and distant figure, quite different from the confident royal he is today. Having lost his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at just 15, Prince William had faced considerable trauma from a young age, which had shaped his personality. However, his relationship with Kate played a transformative role in his life. A royal expert has now revealed that the reason Prince William fell in love with Kate is not just due to her personal qualities but also because of her family, the Middletons.

According to royal biographer Duncan Larcombe, who spoke to OK! Magazine, Prince William didn’t just fall in love with Kate at university; he also fell in love with the Middleton family. The Middletons provided a sense of normalcy and stability that William had not experienced in his own upbringing within the royal family. Larcombe explained, “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.”

This “hidden reason” for Prince William’s affection for Kate adds a layer of understanding to their relationship. Growing up, William’s life was far from ordinary. His childhood was marked by the intense public scrutiny of his parents’ tumultuous marriage and the tragic death of his mother, Diana. This background left William yearning for a different, more normal family experience, which he found with the Middletons. Larcombe elaborates that the Middletons were “the family he has never had – the mum, dad, and three kids spending time together and going on family holidays.” This normalcy was a world away from the formal and often isolating environment of royal life.

The strong bond between William and Kate was evident from the start, with both bringing out the best in each other. Larcombe noted that William was “starry-eyed” about Kate, and their shared experiences helped them connect on a deeper level. “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,” he added. This down-to-earth, ordinary side of Kate and her family was incredibly appealing to William, who found in them a refuge from his highly public and scrutinized royal life.

The bond William shares with Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, further illustrates the importance of this familial connection. He became very close to them, appreciating the close-knit family dynamics they offered. Royal expert Hugo Vickers shared similar insights, noting that William found the Middleton household to embody a sense of normality that his own upbringing lacked. This environment was something William greatly valued, especially as he envisioned a future family of his own.

The Middleton family’s influence is also evident in how William and Kate have chosen to raise their own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The couple has maintained a relatively low-key approach to their personal lives, striving to offer their children a childhood that mirrors Kate’s own, filled with family activities and a sense of normalcy. This decision reflects their shared desire to protect their children from the intense public scrutiny that defined much of William’s early years.

Moreover, William’s love for the Middleton family highlights the significant role they played in helping him navigate his own path within the royal family. The Middletons provided him with a model of a supportive, loving family, which contrasted sharply with the royal household’s more formal and constrained environment. This experience with the Middletons helped William develop into the man he is today – a devoted husband, father, and future king who values family above all.