16 November 2010Last updated at 12:49

In pictures: A royal romance

Kate Middleton on the day of her graduation from St Andrews University, 2005

Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship began as students in Scotland in 2001. The couple met at St Andrews University, Fife, on an art history course, although William later switched to geography.

The royal family traditionally offers stage-managed photo calls in return for their privacy during their holiday in Klosters every Spring. This year, however, the agreement has already broken down when paparazzi was snapping Prince William with his girlfriend, Kate Middleton.

The Royal family traditionally offers stage-managed photo calls in return for their privacy during their holiday but this broke down when paparazzi pursued Prince William and Miss Middleton at Klosters ski resort shortly before they graduated in 2005.

Photographers and camera crews wait for Kate Middleton to leave her Chelsea flat in London, England.

As interest in their relationship grew, Miss Middleton quickly became besieged by the media. Following the publication of a photo showing her on a London bus, her lawyers wrote to newspaper and magazine editors asking them to respect her privacy.

Kate Middleton (centre) looks round while watching The Sovereign's Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 15 December, 2006 in Sandhurst, England

In 2006, Miss Middleton was a guest at Sandhurst, when the prince was commissioned as an officer in the British army. It was the first occasion that she had been seen at a high-profile public event also attended by the Queen and other senior royals.

Woolworths design of a souvenir plate to mark the anticipated engagement of Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton

It sparked a frenzy of speculation worldwide about an imminent engagement announcement. The former High Street store Woolworths even designed a range of memorabilia in anticipation of the event, including china plates, thimbles and mouse mats.

Prince Harry (left) and Prince William (second from left) smile as they watch a performance at Wembley stadium in north London, 1 July 2007. Kate Middleton is top right.

But the relationship was coming under strain as photographers followed Miss Middleton's every move. The couple broke up in April 2007, insisting they were "just good friends" after being pictured at the Princess Diana tribute concert three months later.