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    1. Celebrity
    2. Royals

    On One Issue, Prince William and Princess Kate Couldn’t See Eye to Eye

    At the time, Kate was pregnant with Prince George.

    Melody Rivera's avatar
    By Melody Rivera
    Published 1 August 2026 In News

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    Prince William Princess Kate summer rewind
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    Prince William and Princess Kate have long been considered one of the royal family's strongest couples. Nevertheless, even the happiest couples have their fair share of differences. In Russell Myers’ new biography, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, he reveals one issue that challenged the Prince and Princess of Wales early in their relationship—and it's one that many parents can relate to.

    The royal author recalled: "One thing [William and Kate] couldn’t concur on was a name” for their first child, Prince George. After spending hours combing through baby names, the couple was left divided, with the heir to the throne favoring a “more traditional route.” Eventually, William “settled on a shortlist of two names for a boy: George and Louis,” two names that span centuries within the royal lineage.

    As for Princess Kate, she had her own favorites. Myers said, "Catherine had her heart set on Alexander for a boy or Alexandra (also Queen Elizabeth’s middle name) for a girl.”

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    Clearly, the Prince of Wales won the name battle. However, Kate snuck her choice in: Prince George’s middle name is Alexander.

    Prince William and Princess Kate met in 2001 while they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. They initially bonded as friends while living in the same residence hall, St. Salvador’s. By their second year, the two had moved off campus into a cottage with two other friends. It wasn't until 2003 that their relationship turned romantic.

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    • Kate Middleton wears a red coat with a black turtleneck sweater and a yellow daffodil on her lapel, she has long brown hair Princess Kate "Pushed Back" on One Aspect of Palace Life
    • Prince George wears a navy suit with a light blue shirt and striped tie and has light brown hair, while his mom Princess Kate wears an olive green dress Kate and William "Built a Base" for Prince George

    Prince William, Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk.

    Prince William, Princess Kate and their three children, Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church.

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Over 20 years later, the Prince and Princess of Wales remain strong as ever, living in Forest Lodge with their three children, Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and two dogs, Orla and Otto.

    During a recent appearance on “Heart Breakfast,” William said of Kate, “She is an amazing mom and amazing wife, and our family couldn't cope without her. She's been absolutely stunning.”

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Explore More
    Prince William
    Melody Rivera
    Melody Rivera
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    Contributor

    Melody Rivera is a contributing royal and celebrity writer at Marie Claire. In her five years as a journalist, she has reported across entertainment, pop culture, fashion, beauty and more.

    In addition to Marie Claire, Melody’s byline has appeared inWWD, Footwear News, InTouch Weekly, The Mirror among others.

    When’s she not writing, she’s traveling the word, studying the latest fashion trends and staying one step ahead of what the internet will be obsessed with next.

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