Meet Prince William’s Ex-girlfriends Who Stole His Heart Before Finding True Love with Kate

William, Prince of Wales attends the Christening of Konstantine Alexios as the child’s godfather on April 15, 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Prince William is widely recognized as a devoted family man and dedicated husband to Kate Middleton. He is also next in line to the throne and has settled comfortably into his role within the British Royal Family. Together with Kate, they share three children and many public responsibilities.

William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales with their children, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis attend the Christmas Morning Service on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images

Their union reflects a modern royal partnership admired worldwide. However, William has been involved in other romantic relationships before this idyllic union. Each of these women left a significant imprint on his life, preparing him for his marriage.

William, Prince of Wales attends a photocall on July 26, 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Rose Farquhar: Prince William’s First Love

In 2000, around the time of his graduation from Eton College, Prince William was romantically involved with Rose Farquhar. This relationship, which some say is the Prince’s “first love,” was short-lived.

Rose Farquhar attends an event on June 13, 2019 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

William and Rose’s paths crossed at the Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire. The venue is closely linked with the Beaufort Hunt, where Rose’s father held the position of master. Prince and Rose’s relationship was intense but it did not survive their transition to higher education.

Rose Farquhar attends Prince Harry’s wedding on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images

The Prince headed north to St Andrews University while Rose took on a different path. Rose’s aspirations led her to the performing arts, where she participated in the 2006 reality show “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?” She made it to the final 16, hoping to land a role in a West End production of “The Sound of Music,” but fell short.

Rose Farquhar attends the wedding of Lucy Meade and Charlie Budgett on March 29, 2014 in Chippenham, England | Source: Getty Images

In 2016, she appeared on the singing talent show, “The Voice.” She sang her heart out, performing “Anyone Who Had a Heart” before the show’s vocal coaches. Although she did not advance far in either competition, these experiences marked her pursuit of a music career.

Rose Farquhar performs onstage during the AltaMed “Power Up, We Are The Future” Gala on May 12, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Rose and William have remained good friends and often meet at society events. Prince William was even a guest at Rose’s wedding to George Gemmell, a veterinarian, in December 2022.

Rose Farquhar on her wedding day, from a carousel post December 22, 2022 | Source: Instagram/justjared

Rose Farquhar and George Gemmell on their wedding day, from a carousel post dated December 22, 2022 | Source: Instagram/justjared

The Prince is said to have entered the Church discreetly to witness the vows. Rose and William were not just close, their fathers also shared a close relationship.

Rose’s father Ian Farquhar, is a close friend of the King and a beloved figure in British high society. Ian, fondly referred to as “The Captain,” recently passed away.

Captain Ian Farquhar sounds his hunting horn on November 3 2007 in Gloucestershire, England | Source: Getty Images

Carly Massy-Birch: A Rustic Romance at St. Andrews

William’s next relationship was with Carly Massy-Birch. This happened during his first semester at St. Andrews University. Carly, an English language and creative writing student, shared William’s love for the countryside. This helped them foster a genuine and laid-back bond.

William often visited Carly’s home, stepping over her muddy Hunter Wellington boots in the hallway. This ritual and the country charm reminded him of his rural upbringing. “I’m a real country bumpkin. I think that was why we had a connection,” Carly once said.

They also realized their shared interests in literature and plays. These brought them closer through lively discussions and insights into each other’s lives. They spent evenings enjoying cider at local pubs, playing board games, and attending dinner parties.

Prince William on December 12, 2003 in St. Andrew’s, Scotland | Source: Getty Images

Their romance was a genuine university experience. It was marked by mutual respect and a straightforward approach to dating. But, their relationship was tested when William’s past re-emerged in the form of Arabella Musgrave.

Carly requested that William choose and this brought an end to their romance. Yet, it was a significant milestone in William’s life. It taught him about love and commitment as he moved forward. Speaking about the relationship years later, Carly revealed they would have been better off as friends.

Prince William in December 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Arabella Musgrave: The Summer Romance

Before attending St. Andrews, William experienced a summer romance with Arabella Musgrave. Their paths had crossed many times during their childhood, given Arabella’s father’s role at the Cirencester Park Polo Club.

Arabella Musgrave ttends the 24th annual Cartier International Polo in Great Windsor Park, England on July 27, 2008 | Source: Getty Images

Yet, it was during a house party in the summer of 2001, just before William started university, that he truly noticed Arabella. Royal expert Katie Nicholl wrote about the relationship in her 2010 book, “William and Harry: Behind the Palace Walls.”

Arabella Musgrave attends the Walkabout Foundation Event on June 16, 2015 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Nicholl writes that William was struck by Arabella’s transformation into a striking young woman. This sparked a sudden and intense attraction between them. At the party, when Arabella bid goodnight to the party guests, William, reportedly, followed her upstairs.

Arabella Musgrave on September 14, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

This newfound connection blossomed into a passionate summer romance. The memorable encounters included nights out, with William frequently traveling home from St. Andrews every Friday to spend weekends with her.

Arabella Musgrave attends private event on May 22, 2013 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Their relationship was so intense that William even considered leaving school to be with Arabella. However, fate had other plans as Kate Middleton entered his life. They were living in the same freshman dorm.

Kate’s presence and encouragement persuaded William to continue his education. Her support helped him focus on his education and future. He gradually shifted his path from Arabella to the life he would build with Kate. Arabella is now happily married.

Arabella Musgrave after her wedding to George Galliers-Pratt on February 8, 2014 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

This early romance with Arabella was a formative experience for William. But, it was not his last relationship before he settled down.

Jessica ‘Jecca’ Craig: A Lingering Connection

Throughout his early romantic explorations, one of the more enigmatic relationships William nurtured was with Jessica “Jecca” Craig, the environmental conservationist. She is a key figure in wildlife protection efforts through her roles with Panthera and Stop Ivory.

Jessica ‘Jecca’ Craig on March 10, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Their connection began in earnest in 2000. This was during William’s gap year at Jecca’s family ranch in Kenya. This time not only introduced him to environmental causes but also to what many considered his first serious love.

They decided to part ways romantically as William attended university, but their deep bond influenced him for years. Their continued friendship became a subject of speculation, especially as William began dating Kate Middleton.

Jessica ‘Jecca’ Craig on March 10, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Jecca was always a presence in William’s life even as he continued his relationship with Kate. He often visited her alone in Kenya, and they appeared together at friends’ weddings. Kate was reportedly kept out of their social circles.

During William’s 21st birthday party, Jecca was prominently placed next to him, while Kate observed from a distance. This sitting arrangement subjected their relationship to speculations.

Jessica ‘Jecca’ Craig on June 4, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

The situation drew the concern of those closest to William, including his brother Prince Harry. Nicholl writes that Harry advised his brother to consider Kate’s feelings amidst the uncertainty. Also, King Charles, familiar with the pitfalls of high-profile romantic entanglements from his own life, intervened.

The King reportedly suggested that William make a clear choice to avoid prolonging a potentially painful situation for Jecca. This advice was curiously framed, suggesting Charles favored Jecca as his potential daughter-in-law.

Prince Charles during an official visit to City Hospice Cardiff on December 7, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales | Source: Getty Images

Ultimately, William’s journey through these formative relationships did not only shape his character. It also set the stage for his eventual, steadfast commitment to Kate, with whom he has built a future and a family.

William, Prince of Wales attends a photocall during his gap year on September 29, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

The Culmination of a Royal Romance

After several formative and fleeting relationships, William’s love story with Kate reached its pinnacle. He publicly declared his commitment to her on November 16, 2010.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton announce their engagement on November 16, 2010 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

The couple’s engagement was followed by an extensive and candid interview that was aired. They offered the world a rare glimpse into their intimate moments and genuine affection.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton announce their engagement on November 16, 2010 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Kate and William discussed their relationship and his heartfelt proposal during a visit to Kenya. The world experienced his transformation from a young prince exploring love to a man ready to embrace a future with a partner who had become his equal in every respect.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton at a Christmas reception in aid of the Teenager Cancer Trust on December 18, 2010 in Fakenham, England | Source: Getty Images

William chose his late mother’s sapphire ring as Kate’s engagement ring. This was a way for his mother to partake in his happiness.

A close up of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring as seen on November 16, 2010 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Their discussions during the interview revealed their deep connection. Their relationship is rooted in a friendship that blossomed over the years at St. Andrews.

Their relationship was eventful, including culinary adventures and challenges. At some point, they had a brief separation that strengthened their bond.

Prince William during the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association annual parade on May 13, 2007 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Their royal wedding on April 29, 2011, was not just a union of two people. It was also a celebration watched by millions worldwide as it symbolized a new era for the British monarchy.

Newlywed couple William, Prince of Wales and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales on April 29, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Now they are parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. William and Kate’s journey from university sweethearts to the Prince and Princess of Wales underscores the profound impact of past relationships on his personal development. It also highlights the irreplaceable value of true companionship.