A Look Back At Princess Catherine’s ‘Hot’ Style In Her 20s That Caught Prince William’s Eye

Feb 07, 2025 by apost team

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Princess Catherine is undoubtedly one of the most charming royal family members. From her early days as the Duchess of Cambridge to her present stature as the Princess of Wales, Catherine has attracted millions of fans around the globe.

Catherine’s every move – including her duties as a wife and mother and her sense of style in various royal engagements – captivates. She has evolved into what Vogue described as one of the royal family’s “greatest stars.” 

Prince William and Catherine are one of the most beloved couples in the royal family. The parents of three children are fan favorites in the United Kingdom and abroad, beloved not only for their family values but also for their charity work. At the time of Catherine and William’s wedding, the couple had been together for eight years. 

Prince William is first-in-line to the British throne after being named the Prince of Wales and heir apparent. Catherine, on the other hand, is the future Queen Consort. While they have always looked glamorous and dashing, respectively, the pressure to look great during royal gatherings is now bigger than ever.

Catherine met William in 2001 while attending the University of St. Andrews, and the couple began dating shortly after. Although their relationship was hidden for some time, in 2004, a photo was snapped of the couple on a ski trip, and their relationship quickly became public.

To celebrate Princess Catherine turning 43 at the beginning of 2025, let’s look back on her stylish university outfits that left Prince William speechless!

Kate Middleton (2008), (Danny Martindale/Getty Images)

Before Princess Catherine became a fashion icon and the beloved Princess of Wales, she was simply a student at the University of St. Andrews, living an ordinary life. 

It was 2002 when a young Catherine, then known as Kate Middleton, caught the attention of a handsome prince. Strutting down the runway at a charity fashion show, she wore a daring sheer mini dress that captivated the audience, including Prince William, who had paid almost $207 for a front-row seat. As Kate made her entrance, William reportedly turned to a friend and whispered:

“Wow, Kate’s hot!”

In 2004, Kate dazzled again at the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco, sporting a vibrant outfit that reflected the bold fashion trends of the era. Her neon hotpants and emerald green halter neck top turned heads and set her apart as a standout in the crowd.

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Kate Middleton (2005) (Antony Jones/Brendan Bierne/UK Press/Getty Images)

As her graduation approached, Kate embraced a more casual style, and she was often seen in low-rise jeans and spaghetti-strap tops. She would often pair these with a cardigan and accessorize with a thick belt, big shoulder bag and a claw clip for her glossy hair, a nostalgic nod to ’90s fashion that cemented her status as a 2000s style it girl.

Kate Middleton (2005), (Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)

After graduating, she joined Prince William at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, where her laid-back charm shone through in a cowgirl hat and a suede jacket. Even in simpler outfits, like a white mini skirt paired with brown knee-high boots, Kate effortlessly embodied a chic country girl aesthetic, showcasing a style that would later evolve into the sophisticated elegance she is known for today.

From her sheer mini dress back in the early 2000s to her royal skirt suits, Princess Catherine has inspired countless women worldwide to follow in her stylish footsteps. The Princess of Wales has perfectly bridged the gap between her signature fashion sense and royal dressing rules as she prepares to become queen one day.

Kate Middleton (2005), (Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage/Getty Images)

Looking back at Princess Catherine’s early outfits, what do you think of her unique style? Which were your favorite looks? Let us know, and then pass this along to friends and family who love the royal family, too!

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