We're reminiscing on these old pics of Kate Middleton at university after she admitted she'd love to be a student again

While Kate Middleton's university days are behind her, these throwback photos show how far she's come

Catherine, Princess of Wales wears pearl earrings and a cream jumper as she visits Nottingham Trent University, to hear how they and the University of Nottingham are ensuring their students have the right mental health support around them as they begin the new university year, on October 11, 2023 in Nottingham, England.
(Image credit: Getty Images: Max Mumby/Indigo)

We cannot get over these old Kate Middleton university pictures, as the Princess of Wales candidly revealed that she'd love to 'be a student' and do it all over again.

The University of St Andrews is famously the origin of Prince William and Kate's relationship, with the pair initially living in the same halls of residence (where Kate gained a very flattering nickname) in 2001 and soon after striking up a romance.

The Making of a Royal Romance by Katie Nicholl | £8.88 at Amazon

The Making of a Royal Romance by Katie Nicholl | £8.88 at Amazon

Published in 2011, this provides a fascinating insight into the lives of Prince William and Kate. It reflects back on her childhood, her close family and her romance with the future King. The book goes up to the preparations for the couple's fairytale wedding and also focuses on their life in Wales together.

Now 22 years on, they have since celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary and welcomed three children; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. However, after Kate took a trip down memory lane during her visit to Nottingham Trent University - where she confessed to missing her student days - we couldn't help but reminisce right along with her...

Kate Middleton is sighted wearing low-rise blue jeans and a white strappy top prior to her graduation ceremony at the University of St. Andrews, where she obtained a 2:1 degree in the History of Art on June 23, 2005 in St. Andrews, Scotland.

(Image credit: Getty Images: Max Mumby/Indigo )

Pictured on graduation day in this throwback from June 23, 2005, Kate can be seen rocking some classic Y2K trends, including low-rise jeans and a white cami-style top. This is, of course, a far cry from her recent affinity with chic pantsuits and slingback heels but proves she was right on-trend for the era. 

This snap of Kate in her graduation robes is just as nostalgic, especially when you spot her curtains bangs - a hairstyle that has made a comeback for the Princess of Wales in 2023. In the photo, Kate is also carrying one of her signature handbags and wearing a pair of pointed heels, a style she actually still opts for now.

Kate Middleton wears a black robe and white shirt as she attends the graduation ceremony at St Andrews University to collect his 2:1 Master of Arts Degree in Geography in St Andrew's on June 23, 2005, St Andrews, Scotland.

(Image credit: Getty Images: Tim Graham Photo Library)

Kate's admission came on October 11, 2023, as she chatted with students at Nottingham Trent University's freshers event, for one of many outings she and her husband, William conducted for World Mental Health Day. 

Per Hello!, she revealed that she would 'love to be a student again,' and recalled her own experience, recalling, "I remember university for me, was one of those great opportunities to try out new hobbies, and that has carried through now. I loved trying out new things, and challenging myself, whether [in] sports, music, or art."

Delving more into said hobbies, she described how she joined a photography club, which is where she met new friends and is still a creative outlet she enjoys today. The proof of this can be found on the couple's official Instagram account and in Kate's own 'Hold Still' photography book.

Naomi Jamieson
Beauty Writer

Naomi is a Beauty Writer from Woman&Home, where she covers everything from skincare to beauty trends, as well as reviewing products and sharing her personal shopping recommendations. She specialises in feature and e-commerce writing and has previously worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok trends to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products. During her time on this title, she also reviewed beauty and skincare products and was commissioned to design some illustrations for one of the team's relationship features.


Before that, Naomi also worked across both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2021, after always having a passion for writing.


Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on the best perfumes and must-have beauty buys, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.