Kate Middleton's Friend Reveals the Future Duchess "Wanted to Save Herself for Someone Special"
Kate Middleton's friend revealed that she didn't date much in high school because she "wanted to save herself for someone special." Royal biographer Katie Nicholl described the situation in her biography, Kate: The Future Queen.
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Even though other students at the school Kate Middleton (opens in new tab) attended in her teens were dating a lot, the future Duchess of Cambridge didn't show much interest in boys during her high school years.
According to royal expert and biographer Katie Nicholl (opens in new tab), Kate had a few crushes and short-lived teen romances, but nothing serious.
Gemma Williamson, who went to school with Kate at the time, explained that she always "got the distinct impression that Kate wanted to save herself for someone special."
Kate Middleton (opens in new tab) wasn't super interested in dating as a teen, apparently.
In fact, according to one of her best friends from the time, Kate seemed to be waiting for her Prince Charming from day one.
In her book Kate: The Future Queen (opens in new tab), royal expert and biographer Katie Nicholl (opens in new tab) shares some stories of Kate's early crushes—and an interview with Kate's classmate, Gemma Williamson, who explains why she believes the future Duchess (opens in new tab) didn't date as much as her classmates.
According to Nicholl, Kate had a short-lived fling (opens in new tab) with a "popular and kind" boy named Wood, who was a boarder at her school and the captain of both the rugby and tennis teams. Kate also had a crush (opens in new tab) on a "floppy-haired" classmate named Willem Marx, but she didn't really take part in her school's dating scene—which was apparently pretty lively.
"I got the distinct impression that Kate wanted to save herself for someone special," Gemma told Nicholl. "It was quite an old-fashioned approach, especially at Marlborough, where half of the pupils were already having sex."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out to visit Barry island, South Wales to speak to local business owners about the impact COVID 19 on tourism. She wore an Emilia Wickstead dress, find similar one <a href="https://www.matchesfashion.com/us/products/Emilia-Wickstead-Helen-floral-print-cotton-midi-shirt-dress-1352847" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/castaner/net-sustain-carina-80-suede-wedge-espadrilles/1231212?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-QFGLnEolOWg-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&ranMID=24449&ranEAID=QFGLnEolOWg&ranSiteID=QFGLnEolOWg-gNIwDEvpFQZAYQcHTMucZg&siteID=QFGLnEolOWg-gNIwDEvpFQZAYQcHTMucZg" target="_blank">Castañer espadrilles</a>.
(Image credit: CHRIS JACKSON)
Image 1 of 30
August 4, 2020
Catherine rewore a <a href="https://www.suzannah.com/products/flippy-wiggle-dress" target="_blank">Suzannah dress</a> with <a href="https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/tabitha-simmons-millie-snakeskin-effect-pumps-item-14478245.aspx?storeid=12079" target="_blank">Tabitha Simmons pumps </a>to visit and help with Baby Basics baby bank in northern England.
(Image credit: Handout)
Image 1 of 30
July 23, 2020
The Duchess steps out to announce that Royal Foundation's 1.8 million fund will support frontline workers and the nation's mental health at the Sandringham Estate. Kate wore a <a href="https://www.suzannah.com/products/cotton-shirt-dress-blue-polka" target="_blank">Suzannah dress</a> for the occasion.
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
Image 1 of 30
July 5, 2020
For a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Duchess wore a <a href="https://www.beulahlondon.com/products/shalini-micro-geo-floral-dress" target="_blank">Beulah dress</a> and <a href="https://www.patrickmavros.com/products/ocean-tides-sterling-silver-milky-quartz-earrings" target="_blank">Patrick Mavros earrings</a>.
(Image credit: JOE GIDDENS)
Image 1 of 30
June 27, 2020
For a visit to The Nook in eastern England, Kate Middleton wore an affordable floral print dress from Faithfull the Brand. Not surprisingly, thanks to the Kate Effect, it sold out almost immediately. However, fans of the design can see buy clothing iterations of the of it <a href="https://www.revolve.com/cuesta-midi-skirt/dp/FAIB-WQ46/?AID=13307166&PID=4441350" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.tnuck.com/mid-summer-mini-dress-0.html?ranMID=45581&ranEAID=QFGLnEolOWg&ranSiteID=QFGLnEolOWg-.ZfM768fyFTMlu1IItoXxg" target="_blank">here</a>. She completed the casual outing look with a pair of Russell & Bromley coconut wedges (<a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/toni-pons-caldes-linen-wedge-sandal-women/3969779?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=stone" target="_blank">shop similar espadrilles</a>) and Accessorize <a href="https://uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_2.4/8811118100?skipRedirection=true" target="_blank">hoop earrings</a>.
(Image credit: AARON CHOWN)
Image 1 of 30
June 18, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge stops by Fakenham Garden Centre to shop for plants for The Nook hospice in Framlingham Earl. Catherine wore <a href="https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/women/jackets/vests/abisko-padded-vest-w?v=F89723%3a%3a7323450486488" target="_blank">Fjallraven vest</a>, denim shirt, black trousers, and<a href="https://www.superga-usa.com/products/2750-cotu-classic-olive-paris?variant=23688732115002" target="_blank"> Superga sneakers</a>.
(Image credit: Pool)
Image 1 of 30
March 5, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out with Prince William to watch Gaelic football and hurling as part of their royal visit to Ireland. Kate wore a Really Wild coral <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=cable+knit+sweater" target="_blank">cashmere cable knit sweater</a>, <a href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/search?searchTerm=black%20jeans" target="_blank">Zara black jeans</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweatybetty.com/us/exclusive-new-balance.html" target="_blank">New Balance x Sweaty Betty sneakers</a>.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
Image 1 of 30
March 4, 2020
The royals visited the Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research Centre in Ireland. Prince William and Kate coordinated in laidback ensembles. The Duchess wore a belted <a href="https://www.dubarry.com/us/women/clothing/jackets-vests/" target="_blank">Dubarry jacket </a>and her trusty <a href="https://www.penelopechilvers.com/boots/kate-middleton-tassel-boots.html" target="_blank">Penelope Chilvers boots</a> for the farm visit.
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
Image 1 of 30
March 4, 2020
Duchess of Cambridge during their visit in Ireland, where they stopped by Savannah House, a residential facility run by charity. She opted for an <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/equipment-slim-signature-polka-dot-silk-shirt/5634410?country=US&currency=USD&mrkgadid=3313960302&mrkgcl=760&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=&utm_content=39158139088&utm_term=aud-652915853209:pla-259592604410&utm_channel=low_nd_shopping_standard&sp_source=google&sp_campaign=662927194&adpos=&creative=145518911221&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&acctid=21700000001689570&dskeywordid=92700049882705277&lid=92700049882705277&ds_s_kwgid=58700005470162782&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007631122&dsproductgroupid=259592604410&product_id=17029145&merchid=1243147&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&locationid=9073479&targetid=aud-652915853209:pla-259592604410&campaignid=662927194&adgroupid=39158139088&gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGVatS7zh-9MBiGbz0_PBKOHAeSSIRxilaTQ7QyAzIYW9JbkQHmnSbRoC0G0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Equipment top</a> and <a href="https://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/date-night/373278" target="_blank">Russell and Bromley boots</a>.
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
Image 1 of 30
February 26, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge left a SportsAid Stars event in London wearing a two-piece green outfit. She wore a <a href="https://shop.mango.com/us/women/t-shirts-and-tops-long-sleeve/ribbed-knit-sweater_53053730.html" target="_blank">Mango sweater</a>, <a href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/search?searchTerm=culottes" target="_blank">Zara culottes</a>, a <a href="https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/smythe-duchess-wool-blazer/product/0400091802434" target="_blank">Smythe blazer</a>, and green stripe sneakers from Marks and Spencer. Her accessories included green <a href="https://www.monicavinader.com/us/siren-wire-earrings/gold-vermeil-siren-wire-earrings-green-onyx" target="_blank">Monica Vinader earrings</a> and a gold <a href="https://danielladraper.com/trio-diamond-midnight-moon-necklace?" target="_blank">Daniella Draper necklace</a>.
(Image credit: Mark Cuthbert)
Image 1 of 30
February 25, 2020
Kate attended a Charity Performance of "Dear Evan Hansen" in Eponine dress and <a href="https://us.jimmychoo.com/en/women/shoes/romy-100/silver-and-dusk-blue-fireball-glitter-d%C3%A9grad%C3%A9-fabric-pointy-toe-pumps-ROMY100BRE0C6079.html" target="_blank">Jimmy Choo pumps</a> and <a href="https://us.jimmychoo.com/en/women/handbags/clutch-bags/ellipse/navy-and-silver-coarse-glitter-d%C3%A9grad%C3%A9-clutch-bag--ELLIPSECGD000710.html?cgid=women-handbags-clutch#start=1" target="_blank">clutch</a>.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Image 1 of 30
January 29, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge visited LEYF Stockwell Gardens Nursery & Pre-School in England. For the cold weather, she wore a <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=blue+wool+coat&filterbycategoryid=6000008&origin=leftnav&cm_sp=Left%20Navigation-_-" target="_blank">blue wool coat</a> over a delicate white <a href="https://www.sezane.com/us" target="_blank">Sézane top</a>, black jeans, and <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-boots/filter/aquatalia~brand_12444" target="_blank">Aquatalia boots</a>.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
Image 1 of 30
January 22, 2020
It's hard to beat Kate's prime collection of coats. Here, she wore a double-breasted camel coat from <a href="https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/women/sale/coats-%26-jackets-c1887059.html" target="_blank">Massimo Dutti</a> (<a href="https://www.olivela.com/products/ralph-lauren-collection-british-warmer-coat-164052" target="_blank">shop similar</a>), a brown Zara <a href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/search?searchTerm=animal%20print%20skirt" target="_blank">animal print skirt</a>, and black <a href="https://www.macys.com/shop/shoes/boots/Brand/Lauren%20Ralph%20Lauren?id=25122" target="_blank">Ralph Lauren</a> boots.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
Image 1 of 30
December 4, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge joined families and children who are supported by the charity Family Action at Peterley Manor Farm in England. For the outing, she wore holiday colors: a red ski jacket from <a href="https://www.perfectmoment.com/" target="_blank">Perfect Moment</a>, a <a href="https://www.reallywildclothing.com/" target="_blank">Really Wild</a> green sweater (<a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=green+sweater" target="_blank">shop similar</a>), blue jeans, and <a href="https://int.berghaus.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-brgrowgbp-Site/BRG%3aen_MU/GeoShow-Search?cgid=womens-boots" target="_blank">Berghaus brown booties</a>.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Image 1 of 30
November 12, 2019
Kate attended the Shout's Crisis Volunteer celebration event at Troubadour White City Theatre. She was ready for fall in a pair of maroon pants from <a href="https://www.mytheresa.com/en-us/joseph-mid-rise-pants-1123702.html?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=affiliate.cj.us&cjevent=c58aa81cbaf411ea828100980a240612" target="_blank">Joseph</a>, a check <a href="https://shopsmythe.com/collections/blazers-1" target="_blank">Smythe blazer</a>, and a pair of <a href="https://www.mytheresa.com/en-us/gianvito-rossi-piper-85-suede-pumps-1114359.html" target="_blank">Gianvito Rossi black pumps</a>.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Image 1 of 30
October 9, 2019
For a visit to The Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity at the Natural History Museum, Kate wore a polished streamline ensemble. Her top was from a British brand called <a href="https://www.warehouse-london.com/us/clothing/jumpers-and-cardigans/jumpers/" target="_blank">Warehouse</a> while her pants were from <a href="https://www.jigsaw-online.com/" target="_blank">Jigsaw</a>. She wore a pair of <a href="https://www.tods.com/us-en/home.html" target="_blank">Tod's</a> fringe leather pumps.
(Image credit: Neil Mockford)
Image 1 of 30
October 2, 2019
Prince William and Kate visited the Aga Khan Centre in England. She wore a dress that was a collab between Aross Girl and Soler London. Though the long-sleeve teal dress is now sold out, you can buy a <a href="https://www.stories.com/en_usd/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.ruched-jacquard-midi-dress-green.0694406001.html" target="_blank">similar one here</a>. She wore the dress with a pair of <a href="https://www.emmylondon.com/search?type=product&q=rebecca+" target="_blank">Emmy London pumps</a>.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
Image 1 of 30
September 10, 2019
Kate attended the Back to Nature festival at RHS Garden Wisley in a long-sleeve pale blue floral dress from <a href="https://www.emiliawickstead.com/" target="_blank">Emilia Wickstead</a> and <a href="https://uk.monsoon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Monsoon</a> wedges (<a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=wedge+espadrille" target="_blank">shop similar</a>).
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
Image 1 of 30
September 5, 2019
Prince William and the Duchess took Princess Charlotte and Prince George to their first day of school at Thomas's Battersea in London. The Duchess of Cambridge glowed in a printed <a href="https://www.michaelkors.com/women/clothing/dresses/_/N-28ei" target="_blank">Michael Kors</a> dress and <a href="https://www.matchesfashion.com/us/womens/designers/rupert-sanderson" target="_blank">Rupert Sanderson</a> blue pumps.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Image 1 of 30
July 14, 2019
Kate looked polished and dressy for an appearance at the Men's Wimbledon Tennis Championships. She wore a pale blue cap-sleeve dress from <a href="https://www.emiliawickstead.com/" target="_blank">Emilia Wickstead</a> and beige <a href="https://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US" target="_blank">ALDO</a> pumps.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Image 1 of 30
June 25, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge took part in a photography workshop at the charity 'Action for Children' in London. Kate wore a fluttery sleeve printed dress from <a href="https://ridleylondon.com/" target="_blank">Ridley London</a> and lace-up espadrilles from <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/search/%20castaner" target="_blank">Castañer</a>.
(Image credit: Mark Cuthbert)
Image 1 of 30
June 12, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge attended the first annual gala dinner in an off-the-shoulder dress from <a href="https://casasola.co/" target="_blank">Barbara Casasola</a> and wore a pair of sparkly <a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/jimmy-choo-womens-love-100-glitter-pumps?ID=3475837" target="_blank">Jimmy Choo glitter pumps</a>.
(Image credit: Jeff Spicer)
Image 1 of 30
May 20, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London while wearing a neutral colored ensemble. She wore a <a href="https://www.mih-jeans.com/" target="_blank">M.i.h Jeans</a> shirt, brown <a href="https://www.massimodutti.com/" target="_blank">Massimo Dutti</a> culotte pants, and white <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=Superga+sneakers&filterbycategoryid=6000009&origin=leftnav&cm_sp=Left%20Navigation-_-" target="_blank">Superga sneakers</a>.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Image 1 of 30
May 14, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge visited the D-Day exhibition at Bletchley Park. For the outing, she wore an <a href="https://www.farfetch.com/uk/shopping/women/alessandra-rich/items.aspx" target="_blank">Alessandra Rich</a> polka dot midi dress with pale blue pumps from <a href="https://www.emmylondon.com/products/rebecca-riviera?variant=43202496339" target="_blank">Emmy London</a>. She carried a <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/smythson/br/v=1/53228.htm" target="_blank">Smythson</a> clutch.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
Image 1 of 30
May 8, 2019
In need of blazer inspo? Look no further than Kate's closet. She has a variety of styles and colors, including this gorgeous double-breasted red <a href="https://poshmark.com/listing/Designer-Blazer-NWT-5dfe780f9e155990ce0bac78?l_con=NWT%2FNEW&utm_source=gdm&utm_campaign=10422147551&campaign_id=10422147551&ad_partner=google&gskid=pla-911668716864&gcid=445172928438&ggid=106514636594&gdid=c&g_network=g&enable_guest_buy_flow=true&gclid=CjwKCAjwxev3BRBBEiwAiB_PWC22BeQRxwIoSZHCBzEppJ4OhfhYwW-hyWdCRSvAeXqFn8TJsU7OcRoCpvEQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Philosophy Di Lorenzo</a> number. She wore it over a black turtleneck with black jeans and <a href="https://www.aquatalia.com/collections/women-boots" target="_blank">Aquatalia booties</a>.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
Image 1 of 30
May 7, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge has a bunch of striped tops in her arsenal, including this one from <a href="https://joostricot.com/" target="_blank">JoosTricot</a>, which she paired with navy <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-parker-wide-legged-trousers-red/p4876687" target="_blank">L.K. Bennett trousers</a> and <a href="https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/gianvito-rossi-high-heel-pumps-item-14283510.aspx?fsb=1&size=26&storeid=9530" target="_blank">Gianvito Rossi pumps</a>.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Image 1 of 30
May 1, 2019
What color looks the best on Kate? Trick question: every color looks good on her, even green. The Duchess of Cambridge was spotted in this deep jade colored dress from <a href="https://www.emiliawickstead.com/" target="_blank">Emilia Wickstead</a> while leaving the new Centre of Excellence at Anna Freud Centre in London. She accessorized with beige <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/gianvito-rossi/85-leather-pumps/474282" target="_blank">Gianvito Rossi</a> pointy toe pumps and a <a href="https://www.mulberry.com/us/shop/sale-mini-bags/amberley-clutch-mocha-rose-silky-calf?istCompanyId=2535f329-7faf-45d9-915a-96a755c8b4fa&istFeedId=146d6945-4680-4495-98a0-bee4420ebbcc&istItemId=ixatxlitt&istBid=t&gclid=CjwKCAjwxev3BRBBEiwAiB_PWAgeN5igDP1gHvQ20E0W0mD-vWX2kNYU_xoKDo-sNDz4iJ01UhENSxoC1rcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Mulberry Amberley clutch</a>.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Image 1 of 30
March 28, 2019
For a visit to the Scouts' headquarters at Gilwell Park, Kate dressed down in a <a href="https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/search/EndecaSearch.jsp?bmText=SearchString&N_Dim=0&Ntk=Entire+Site&Ntt=Barbour" target="_blank">Barbour jacket</a>, <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/c/womens_category/sweaters/turtleneck" target="_blank">J.Crew turtleneck sweater</a>, jeans, and <a href="https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/See-by-Chloe/Shoes/shop/_/N-1z12odsZ52k0s7/Ne-6lvnb6" target="_blank">See by Chloé boots</a>.
(Image credit: PAUL ELLIS)
Image 1 of 30
February 27, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge got sporty while playing soccer with kids in Ireland. She wore a <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/brands/barbour--7366" target="_blank">Barbour quilted jacket</a>, a <a href="https://www.ralphlauren.com/women-clothing-sweaters" target="_blank">Ralph Lauren</a> sweater, jeans, and blue sneakers from <a href="https://www.newbalance.com/women/shoes/all-shoes/" target="_blank">New Balance</a>.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
Image 1 of 30
December 11, 2018
Polka dots are a must for royals. Kate loves wearing them as spotted here in a green knee-length polka dot dress from <a href="https://zoom-boutique.com/products/l-k-bennett-mortimer-green-polka-dot-silk-long-sleeve-pussy-bow-dress" target="_blank">L.K. Bennett</a>. She wore green <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/gianvito-rossi/85-suede-pumps/1057539" target="_blank">Gianvito Rossi suede pumps</a>.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
Typically Stoic Queen was “Even More Emotional Than Expected” on Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Wedding Day
