The beginning of a passionate romance

Prince William and Catherine Middleton met in 2001 when they were students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and later fell in love. However, the Prince's heart first beat for Arabella Musgrave, the daughter of Major Nicholas Musgrave, manager of Cirencester Park Polo Club near London. The two are said to have known each other since childhood. But it was only later at a party that the young prince and the 18-year-old are said to have hit it off. "They danced and drank until the early hours of the morning and when Arabella said goodbye, the prince quietly slipped out and followed her upstairs," reveals author Katie Nicholl. "It was the start of a passionate romance and the two spent as much time together as possible that summer." Even Prince Charles is said to have given William and Arabella his blessing.

William considered dropping out of university

In September, Prince William began his studies at St. Andrews, where he met Kate Middleton. Kate and William lived in the same house at university and soon became good friends. However, he showed no interest in the pretty brunette at the time. "He missed Arabella and on Friday evenings, when he went home to Highgate, he was comforted by the thought that she was waiting for him," says Nicholl. His longing for her even drove him so far that he considered dropping out of university. But none other than Kate stopped him. "Kate convinced him to give St Andrews a second chance," says the author of the book "William and Harry". A good decision, because four years later the two graduated from university and their friendship slowly developed into something more.

Arabella Musgrave is now also married. She married George Galliers-Pratt on February 8, 2014.