Did Kate Middleton meet Prince Philip years before she met Prince William?

Prince William and Kate Middleton famously first met at university when they both attended St Andrews University together, however, Kate actually might have met his grandfather Prince Philip years before she met William.

• Prince Philip sadly passed away on Friday 9th April 2021 at the age of 99. 

• The Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Cambridge might have met before Kate met her future husband, the Duke's grandson. 

• In other Royal news, 'United in grief' Prince Harry and Prince William to walk shoulder to shoulder at Prince Philip's funeral

In a press release shared by the Palace, Kate Middleton revealed that she has taken part in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. The Duchess said, “I started my Duke of Edinburgh's Award while I was at Marlborough College, completing my Bronze before getting my Gold Award while I was in the sixth form.”

Those who complete the Gold Duke of Edingburgh award are invited to an awards ceremony hosted by the Duke of Edinburgh. This means that Kate could have met William’s grandfather long before she met Prince William. 

Although award winners will typically meet the Duke of Edinburgh, it is uncertain if Kate did meet Prince Philip, or another member of the Royal family. The Duke of Edinburgh site states, "All young people who achieve a Gold Award will be invited to a Gold Award Presentation (GAP), attended by a Member of The Royal Family, to receive their certificate."

In an ITV special titled, When Phillip met Prince Philip: 60 Years of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Kate Middleton spoke about her experience on the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Kate revealed, “I can remember trying to cook bacon in the soaking wet. Everything was just sopping and I was trying and trying to cook bacon. I remember saying you know what, I think we're just going to have plain sandwiches. Bread, basic bread and butter!"

Kate Middleton said about the award, “The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is such a great way for young people to grow in confidence, learn new skills, work as part of a team and have great fun along the way. While getting my Gold Award was challenging at times, it is one of my most memorable experiences from growing up, and I could not recommend it more highly."

Following The Duke of Edinburgh’s death, Prince William took to social media to share a  tribute to his grandfather. In this post, he mentioned Kate’s special relationship with the Duke of Edinburgh. William said, "I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness, he showed her.”