Kate and Prince William began dating in 2003 while studying at the University of St Andrews but their relationship flourished when the couple spent time together at Balmoral Castle. According to the Channel 5 documentary Secrets of Royal palaces, the Cambridges had guaranteed privacy. Royal expert Penny Junor explained what the couple had while there.
Ms Junor said: “There is an enormous freedom.”
Narrator Glynis Barber said: “It’s the one palace they can almost guarantee privacy which is probably why so many royal relationships have blossomed there.
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent time there when Kate was first being introduced to the family.”
Royal expert Richard Kay added: “The Balmoral test, a pretty terrifying moment for any royal girlfriend.
READ MORE: Queen ‘forbade’ Prince William to kiss in public while at university
“You’re really given the lookup and down by the rest of the Royal Family.
“You’ve really for to know your Ps and Qs.”
Royal expert Ingrid Seward added: “When you stay in one of the royal residences, there’s a lot of pressure to try and get it right.”
The revelation comes as the Queen enforced a number of “strict” rules on William while he was at university.
Narrator Christine-Marie Liwag Dixon said: “Before William headed off to continue his studies in 2001 his grandmother set down some strict instructions for him which included no smoking, only moderate drinking and definitely no drugs.
“Queen Elizabeth II also forbade him to kiss a date in public.
“Notably Prince William was required to be followed around by his personal police protection and he was not even allowed to discuss his family with classmates.
“Although William was able to blend in reasonably well on campus, everyone was protective of him.”
