AN UNSEEN pic of Princess Kate has been posted by an ex-university friend who fondly recalled their “lovely” college years together.
Laura Warshaur – who was in the same halls as the royal – shared a photo on Instagram taken during their time studying at St Andrews.
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The pic was taken when the pair were at a flat party on Hope Sreet, where the Prince and Princess of Wales lived in their second year.
Kate was snapped wearing a cream turtleneck jumper with her natural curls.
She had minimal makeup on with just a touch of brown eyeshadow and blush.
The royal’s accessories were subtle, featuring pearl stud earrings and a thin blue hair scrunchie worn on her wrist.
In the photo, the Princess and her university friend – dressed in a black V-neck jumper – smile together while holding brownie bites.
Laura shared the photo on her Instagram page to show support for the Princess of Wales as she continued her cancer treatment.
However, this week the image caught the attention of royal fan accounts.
The caption from Laura read: “Sending love to Kate Middleton, the future Queen of England and my university dormmate!
“This was us at a Hope Street flat party. I have the loveliest college memories with Kate.
“She is the kindest, most caring, down-to-earth, genuine person, and it’s incredible to see her shining so brightly and inspiring the world with her compassion and courage.”
The post received hundreds of likes and comments from fans of the princess.
“Neither of you has changed much, so gorgeous. So happy to see her out and about again with that big smile,” commented one user.
Another added: “No way, most unexpected duo EVER.”
While a third wrote: “How sweet your tribute to her back when she was diagnosed. And how beautiful you both are in this picture.”
Laura – who is now a singer-songwriter – previously revealed how she watched Kate fall in love with her future husband Prince William at the Scottish university.
ROYAL SPARK
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The royal mother-of-three met the prince in 2001 during their first week as psychology students, though she later switched to an art history degree.
It wasn’t long before the Prince noticed Kate, an “attractive brunette” who fellow students dubbed the “prettiest girl in Sally’s” during Fresher’s Week.
Kate was even given the nickname “Beautiful Kate” by fellow students, which certainly helped to get William’s attention.
Fate pulled the pair together at a fashion show in the St Andrew’s Hotel during their second term of studying.
On March 27, 2002, William forked out £200 for a front-row ticket to the show, fully aware that his crush Kate was set to take part.
William famously gasped “Wow, Kate’s hot”, when she strutted the catwalk in a see-through black and gold dress which visibly showed off her underwear.
Clearly, the underwear impressed the royal as William was spotted kissing and sipping cocktails with Kate after the show.
Laura, who has since lost touch with the royal couple, revealed that all their friends believed the two would end up together.
Roommates… and more
By the second year at St Andrew’s, William and Kate moved in together and their friendship did develop into something more.
The bond blossomed largely in private, due to a media blackout which had been agreed upon after the death of Princess Diana.
This meant William was “off limits” during his time in full-time education – and he also opted to go by the nickname of Steve to enable him to have a relatively normal experience among his peers.
Kate, Wills and two pals, Fergus and Olivia, signed up to live off campus together in a quaint two-storey, four-bedroom Edwardian townhouse in the city.
13A Hope Street – which was fitted with bulletproof windows and a bombproof front door for the prince’s safety – cost just £100 per week, and William and Kate’s rooms were one floor apart.
It was in this home’s small kitchen where William tried to impress his pretty housemate with his culinary skills.
He even attempted to whip up dishes like “Bolognese”, according to the Princess of Wales.
She once joked: “I would have to wander in and save something that was going [wrong].”
The couple were said to “avoid big parties” and instead had “home-cooked meals and romantic evenings watching TV together.”
And a former student revealed: “Wills and Kate would tell people they were simply housemates and would always avoid any public shows of affection.
“There were of course rumours but they were careful to avoid being the subject of student gossip.”
At the time Laura posted the old photo of her and the Princess to share her support for Kate while she underwent cancer treatment.
‘CANCER-FREE’
However, earlier this year the 42-year-old revealed she had finished chemotherapy and is now focusing on being “cancer-free” in a heartwarming family video.
Kate, who revealed her diagnosis in March, shared a poignant video that shows her playing with Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in Norfolk.
She said: “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Kate also told how “doing what I can to stay cancer-free” was now her focus as she revealed the road to recovery is still long.
But she said she was “looking forward” to being back at work and taking on a few more public engagements in the coming months.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
Jan 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
Jan 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
Jan 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
Jan 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
Jan 29: Kate leaves hospital
Feb 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
Mar 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King’s Birthday Parade
June 15: Kate beams as she joins her family at the annual Trooping the Colour event
July 14: The royal attends Wimbledon with sister Pippa and Princess Charlotte to hand out trophies to players
July 15: Kate shares a touching photo of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watching England in the Euro 2024 final
August 11: She joins a bearded Prince William in a video to congratulate Team GB in the Olympics
September 9: Kate reveals her treatment for cancer has finished
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