Meet Prince William’s Ex-girlfriends Who Stole His Heart Before Finding True Love with Kate

• Though not widely publicized, Prince William’s romantic history includes meaningful relationships that preceded his marriage.
• These encounters contributed to his growth, paving the way for his happily ever after with Kate Middleton.
• Meet four women who once shared moments of affection with the future king.

Prince William is widely recognized as a devoted family man and dedicated husband to Kate Middleton. He is also next in line to the throne and has settled comfortably into his role within the British Royal Family. Together with Kate, they share three children and numerous public responsibilities.

Their union reflects a modern royal partnership admired worldwide. However, William was involved in other romantic relationships before his idyllic union with Kate. Each of these women left a significant imprint on his life, preparing him for his eventual marriage.

In 2000, around the time of his graduation from Eton College, Prince William was romantically involved with Rose Farquhar. This relationship, which some say is the Prince’s “first love,” was short-lived.

William and Rose’s paths crossed at the Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire. It is a venue closely linked with the Beaufort Hunt, where Rose’s father held the position of master. Their relationship was intense but it did not survive their transition to higher education.

The Prince headed north to St Andrews University while Rose went to pursue a musical career. Rose’s aspirations led her to the performing arts, where she participated in the 2006 reality show “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?” She made it to the final 16, hoping to land a role in a West End production of “The Sound of Music,” but fell short.

In 2016, she appeared on the singing talent show, “The Voice.” She sang her heart out, performing “Anyone Who Had a Heart” before the show’s vocal coaches. Although she did not advance far in either competition, these experiences marked her pursuit of a music career.

Rose and William have remained good friends and often meet at society events. Prince William was a guest at Rose’s wedding in December 2022, where she married George Gemmell, a veterinarian.

The Prince is said to have entered the Church discreetly to witness the vows.

Rose’s father Ian Farquhar, is a close friend of the King and a beloved figure in British high society. Ian, fondly referred to as “The Captain,” recently passed away.

Following his time with Rose, William’s heart soon found its way to Carly Massy-Birch during his first semester at St. Andrews University. Carly, an English language and creative writing student, shared William’s love for the countryside, fostering a genuine and laid-back bond.

William often visited Carly’s home, stepping over her muddy Hunter Wellington boots in the hallway. This ritual and the country charm reminded him of his own rural upbringing. “I’m a real country bumpkin. I think that was why we had a connection,” Carley once said.

As they navigated university life together, they realized their shared interests in literature and plays. These brought them closer through lively discussions and insights into each other’s lives. They spent evenings enjoying cider at local pubs, playing board games, and attending dinner parties.

Their romance was a genuine university experience, marked by mutual respect and a straightforward approach to dating. Yet, their relationship was tested when William’s past re-emerged in the form of Arabella Musgrave.

Carly’s request for William to make a choice brought an end to their romance. However, it was a significant milestone in William’s life, teaching him about love and commitment as he moved forward. Speaking about the relationship years later, Carly revealed they would have been better off as friends.

Before his time at St. Andrews, William experienced a summer romance with Arabella Musgrave. Their paths had crossed many times during their childhood, given Arabella’s father’s role at the Cirencester Park Polo Club.

Yet, it was during a house party in the summer of 2001, just before William started university, that he truly noticed Arabella. In her 2010 book “William and Harry: Behind the Palace Walls,” royal expert Katie Nicholl writes about the relationship.

Nicholl writes that William was struck by Arabella’s transformation into a striking young woman, sparking a sudden and intense attraction between them. When Arabella bid goodnight to the party guests, William, reportedly, followed her upstairs.

This newfound connection quickly blossomed into a passionate summer romance. The memorable encounters included nights out, with William frequently traveling home from St. Andrews every Friday to spend weekends with her.

Such was the intensity of their relationship that William even considered leaving university to be with Arabella. However, fate had other plans. It was also at St. Andrews that Kate Middleton entered William’s life, living in the same freshman dorm.

Kate’s presence and encouragement persuaded William to continue his education. Her support helped William focus on his education and future, gradually shifting his path from Arabella to the life he would build with Kate. Arabella is now happily married.

This early romance with Arabella was a formative experience for William. However, it was not his last one before he settled down.

Throughout his early romantic explorations, one of the more enigmatic relationships Prince William nurtured was with Jessica “Jecca” Craig. Jecca was an environmental conservationist and a key figure in wildlife protection efforts through her roles with Panthera and Stop Ivory.

Their connection began in earnest in 2000, during William’s gap year at Jecca’s family ranch in Kenya. This time not only introduced him to environmental causes but also to what many considered his first serious love.

Despite their decision to part ways romantically as William began his studies at St. Andrews, their deep bond continued to influence him for years. The nature of their continued friendship was a subject of speculation, especially as William began dating Kate Middleton.

Jecca’s presence in William’s life persisted even as he continued his relationship with Kate. William often visited Jecca in Kenya, often without Kate, and they appeared together at friends’ weddings. Kate was reportedly kept out of their social circles.

During William’s 21st birthday party, Jecca was prominently placed next to him, while Kate observed from a distance. This sitting arrangement left the nature of Jecca and William’s relationship a topic of quiet speculation.

The situation drew the concern of those closest to William, including his brother Prince Harry. Nicholl writes that Harry even advised his brother to consider Kate’s feelings amidst the ongoing uncertainty. Even his father, King Charles, familiar with the pitfalls of high-profile romantic entanglements from his own life, intervened.

The King reportedly suggested that William make a clear choice to avoid prolonging a potentially painful situation for Jecca. This advice was curiously framed, suggesting Charles favored Jecca as his potential daughter-in-law.

Ultimately, William’s journey through these formative relationships did not just shape his character. It also set the stage for his eventual, steadfast commitment to Kate, with whom he would build a future and a family.

After several formative and fleeting relationships, Prince William’s love story with Kate reached its pinnacle. William publicly declared his commitment to her on November 16, 2010.

The couple’s engagement was followed by an extensive and candid interview aired on ITV. The couple offered the world a rare glimpse into their intimate moments and the genuine affection they shared.

Kate and William discussed their relationship and William’s heartfelt proposal during a visit to Kenya. The world experienced his transformation from a young prince exploring love to a man ready to embrace a future with a partner who had become his equal in every respect.

William chose his late mother’s sapphire ring as Kate’s engagement ring wishing for her to partake in his happiness.

Their discussions during the interview revealed their deep connection, rooted in a friendship that blossomed over years at St. Andrews.

Their relationship was eventful, including culinary adventures and challenges. At some point, they had a brief separation that ultimately strengthened their bond.

Their royal wedding on April 29, 2011, was not just a union of two people. It was also a celebration watched by millions worldwide, symbolizing a new era for the British monarchy.

Now parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, William and Kate’s journey from university sweethearts to the Prince and Princess of Wales underscores the profound impact of past relationships on personal development and the irreplaceable value of true companionship.