Meet Kate Middleton’s 3 Boyfriends before Prince William, One of Whom Has the Same Hair as Her Husband

• This article delves into Kate Middleton’s romantic history before she met Prince William.
• One former boyfriend of hers shared a similar hairstyle to the Prince of Wales.
• Middleton’s past relationships have made headlines and they have made an impact on her life.

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends The “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Long before Kate Middleton became a household name through her marriage to Prince William, she had her share of romantic adventures. Notably, she dated three men during her younger years, one of whom bore a striking resemblance to her future husband, both in charm and hairstyle.

Kate Middleton on the second day of the Gatcombe Park Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, on August 6, 2005 near Tetbury, England. | Source: Getty Images

Middleton first crossed paths with Prince William at St. Andrews University. Their friendship blossomed over a year before turning romantic. In a joint interview several years ago, the couple reflected on their love story.

The lovebirds spent more time together, making each other laugh and having fun. This made them realize they had a lot in common. Prince William shared, “She’s got a really nice sense of humor, which kind of helps me because I’ve got a very dense sense of humor.”

Prince William kisses Kate Middleton at Eton College on March 18, 2006 in Eton, England. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Middleton recalled how she felt after meeting the royal for the first time, saying: “I actually went bright red when I met you and scuttled off, feeling very shy.”

Their relationship deepened as they shared numerous university experiences, living in the same dorm and often cooking together. Prince William tried impressing Middleton with his culinary skills, with her frequently assisting.

Kate Middleton and Prince William attend day 1 of the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival on March 13, 2007 in Cheltenham, England. | Source: Getty Images

As their connection grew, introductions to their families followed. Middleton described her nervousness upon meeting Prince William’s father, who was welcoming, just as the late Queen Elizabeth II had been.

Family is important for both parties. Prince William mentioned Middleton is very close with her loved ones, and that he, too, gets along well with them. He admires their supportive nature.

Prince William and Kate Middleton during the RBS Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham on February 10, 2007 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

The heir to the British throne also talked about his future in-laws, Michael and Carole Middleton. He said they welcomed him with open arms and made him feel part of the family.

Michael Middleton, Kate Middleton and Carole Middleton at the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst Military Academy on December 15, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Despite their strong connection, not all was smooth in their relationship. The pressures of public life led to a temporary breakup, capturing public attention. At the time, they both did some self-introspection.

“We were both finding ourselves and such,” Prince William explained. This period of self-discovery was crucial, fortifying their relationship for future challenges. Middleton, although unhappy about it at the time, reflected on the growth she experienced during this time: “It made me a stronger person,” she said.

Kate Middleton looks on from the Royal Box on the fourth day of The Annual National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 16, 2007 in Cheltenham, England. | Source: Getty Images

She realized that one could be consumed by a relationship when young and this is what she soon noticed about herself amid the split. This has made her value the break they had because it brought things into perspective.

Kate Middleton stands in the royal box on the Gold Cup day of the annual Cheltenham Race Festival at Cheltenham Race course on March 16, 2007 in Gloucestershire, England. | Source: Getty Images

Although they had a stumbling block, Middleton and Prince William managed to carry on and things became better from there on. Friendship laid the foundation for their eventual engagement. During the interview, the two were asked whether the marriage had always been on the cards.

Middleton and Prince William pose for photographers during a photocall to mark their engagement in the State Rooms of St James’ Palace on November 16, 2010 in London. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William answered, “When I first met Kate, I knew there was something very special about her, and then I knew there was possibly something I wanted to explore there, but we ended up being friends for a while.”

In 2010, during a holiday in Kenya, Prince William proposed with a sapphire and diamond ring that had belonged to his mother, Princess Diana. The proposal, a blend of personal significance and royal tradition, was a complete surprise to Middleton.

“It was a total shock when it came, and very exciting,” she expressed. They married in April 2011, beginning their life together as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Before these royal chapters, Middleton’s life was marked by three significant relationships. Here are her three boyfriends prior to becoming a princess. Her first known boyfriend was blonde-haired, Willem Marx, whom she met at Marlborough College in 2000. Their relationship, though brief, ended amicably.

Willem Marx and Elettra Weidemann attend Fendi 80th Anniversary All Hallow’s Eve party at 25 Broadway on October 29, 2005 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Marx, now a London-based journalist and married, remains a part of her past. His wife is Johanna Botta, a television personality, whom he has been married to for nine years after dating for ten years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Johanna Botta (@johannabotta)

Apart from having his own successful love story, Marx also had the honor of seeing his former beau Middleton walk down the aisle at Westminster Abbey over a decade ago.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Johanna Botta (@johannabotta)

The former ABC News correspondent reportedly was the only male friend from the princess’s school days to have been invited to the royal wedding.

Willem Marx and Elettra Weidemann attend Fendi 80th Anniversary All Hallow’s Eve party at 25 Broadway on October 29, 2005 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

“Willem means a lot to Kate,” Middleton’s pal said at the time. Aside the fact that his romance with the royal has captured some attention, Marx’s appearance has also been a topic of discussion.