Kate Middleton captured Prince William’s attention on the catwalk—and who could forget her see-through dress?

Kate Middleton instantly caught her future husband Prince William’s attention with a stunning see-through dress at a charity fashion show during their time at University. 

• New York Fashion Week 2021 kicked off in style on September 8 and fashion lovers might be delighted to learn of Kate Middleton’s own catwalk debut. 
• The Duchess of Cambridge stunned the audience with a see-through dress during a charity fashion show back in 2002.  
• This royal news comes as the Queen just made a special social media move with a very rare personal touch.  

Kate Middleton has long been known for her effortlessly elegant looks, delighting royal fans with her stylish attire whenever she and Prince William carry out their royal engagements. Many of Kate Middleton’s dresses have gained an immense following, whilst her hair transformations and favorite make-up and skin products have always attracted attention. And as New York Fashion Week 2021 kicks off on September 8, wowing the world with its array of colorful and unique pieces, it’s hard to forget the Duchess of Cambridge’s own foray into catwalk modeling almost twenty years ago. 

Whilst her recent royal looks are a constant source of inspiration, perhaps her most eye-catching look of all is this one that very few people got to see in person. It was during her time at St Andrews University in Scotland that Kate Middleton took to the runway in a daring dress designed by Charlotte Todd. 

Kate and Prince William’s love story started at St Andrews and he reminisced about meeting Kate there earlier this year in a sweet speech during their Royal Tour of Scotland. Yet the couple, who celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this year, were not actually together at the time of Kate’s catwalk debut. 

This was soon set to change, however, as Prince William’s attention was captured by his beautiful friend when she took part in the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show wearing Charlotte's gorgeous design.

Prince William reportedly paid $275 (£200) for a front-row seat at the event back in 2002. And he certainly had one of the best vantage points in the house to watch Kate walk down the catwalk in a sheer lace dress, her black underwear showing through.  

This astonishing fashion moment has gone down in royal history and according to The Mirror, the iconic dress was later sold at auction in March 2011 for a staggering (£78,000) just months before their wedding.

The publication reports that Kate’s see-through dress was initially only expected to sell for around $11,010-$13,763 (£8,000-£10,000), after spending many years at the home of the designer’s mother. But it seems the romantic story behind the dress’ university appearance might have made all the difference.

Kate Middleton is thought to have gone from close friend to royal girlfriend, in part due to her catwalk appearance, where Prince William, who is second in the royal line of succession, reportedly exclaimed, “Wow, Kate’s hot!”

This pivotal moment came just two years before their romance went public and from here Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship went from strength to strength. Aside from a brief breakup in 2007, they have been together ever since.

Prince William went on to propose with a magnificent piece of Princess Diana’s jewelry—her sapphire ring—in November 2010.

Speaking during their engagement interview about how their romance developed, the Duke declared, “We were friends for over a year first, and it just sort of blossomed from then on. We just spent more time with each other and had a good giggle."

Kate admitted she had been "shy" and went "bright red" upon meeting the Queen's grandson for the first time, whilst Prince William also praised his then-fiancée's "naughty sense of humor". 

Now all these years after first meeting, they have become one of the most iconic royal couples. And though Kate Middleton’s catwalk days might be behind her, but her iconic fashion show walk continues to capture the attention of many to this day.