Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, recently had her nickname from her university days revealed, reminding the public of her warm connections with family and her royal duties. A former university friend disclosed during the new Channel 5 documentary titled Harry and William: Rise and Fall how Kate was known as "beautiful Kate" among her peers at St. Andrew's University.
The Princess first crossed paths with Prince William at St. Andrews, where both were studying art history. The two developed their relationship during their second year, sharing accommodations with classmates. Helen McArdle, who studied at the same university and was present during William's first day, recounted, "He definitely looked self-conscious, obviously he’d been very much aware all eyes were going to be on him," according to the Express. She noted how the royal seemed quite down-to-earth and shy, making it easy to see why Kate was drawn to him.
Helen spoke candidly about their university experience, saying, "Kate was the only girl in their group and became apparent very, very quickly. She was very much with the, if you like, the posh boys." Importantly, she mentioned how Kate quickly suited the social dynamics by forming strong friendships, particularly with William.
On January 31, 2025, Kate Middleton returned to royal duties visiting Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice near Cardiff, marking her first solo engagement since undergoing treatment for cancer last year. While there, she engaged directly with the children at the hospice, sharing sweet moments filled with laughter and creativity—especially during hand-painting activities.
During her visit, she excitedly revealed to one young girl, "My kiddies would love this if I went and did this back at home today," indicating her close ties to her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as well as her maternal instincts.
The twelve-year-old Felix and his siblings were part of the group Kate interacted with, all receiving care at the compassionate facility. Kate took on the role of both artist and participant, even painting handprints with children, emphasizing the therapeutic power of these shared creative moments. After showcasing her artwork alongside those of the hospice children, she nodded appreciatively, saying, "It's been a very special visit," indicative of her genuine enjoyment.
This strong focus on family continues to resonate with the Princess's public image, portrayed through her dedication to her children and connecting with other families facing challenges. Following her engagement, the Princess emphasized to everyone how these visits make significant differences to the children and their loved ones. She expressed how beneficial the support stems not just from medical care, but also from creating safe and nurturing environments for children with life-shortening conditions.
Deep emotional ties were established during Kate's time at the hospice. Sharing laughs with children during musical sessions demonstrated her warmth and openness. One little girl especially noted for her vibrant personality caught Kate's eye. Kate asked her, "What do you like doing when you're here?" to which the girl responded with delight about music, sparking joyful laughter between them.
Before finishing her visit, the Princess was recognized by Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan, who expressed gratitude for Kate's patronage. The announcement puts her on the same honorary path as her late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, who had previously held this role when the organization was still growing.
"We are deeply honored... as our Patron, Her Royal Highness will be an inspiration for children with life-shortening conditions and their families," he stated, highlighting the charity's commitment to ensuring families are not alone during difficult times.
Reflecting her careful and gradual return to public life, the Princess is focusing on balancing her royal responsibilities with her family. Following significant health challenges, including treatment for cancer and her official remission, the visit was not just about duties; it also signified reconnection with the community she deeply cares for.
Through her university “nickname” and her recent hands-on engagements with children, Kate continues to reveal dimensions of her identity, where her royal obligations intertwine with her heartfelt commitment to nurturing families. While the royal family manages both public and private spheres, the human touch shown by Kate Middleton reflects her dedication to both her past and her present—making significant strides as the Princess of Wales and as a devoted mother.