Kate Middleton's former college buddy posts never-seen-before photo of the Princess of Wales

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: A heartwarming glimpse into Kate Middleton's college days has recently surfaced, capturing a side of the Princess of Wales rarely seen by the public, as per Marie Claire.

Shared by her former University of St Andrews dormmate, Laura Warshauer, the candid photo reveals a young Kate, decades before stepping into her royal role, glowing in the company of close friends.

Laura Warshauer posts never-seen-before photo of Kate Middleton's college days

Laura Warshauer, who took to social media in July to post the image, also shared a touching tribute to her longtime friend, offering fans an intimate look into the life of the iconic royal during her college years in Scotland.

The shared photo and tribute, which Warshauer posted on Instagram, show a young Kate, relaxed, dressed in a white turtleneck, chatting with Warshauer at a social gathering.

For many royal watchers, this snapshot is a rare treat, offering a look into a chapter of Kate’s life before she met Prince William and became one of the most photographed women in the world.

In her post, Warshauer expressed deep admiration for her friend, describing Kate as "the kindest, most caring, down-to-earth, genuine person."

Reflecting on their time at St. Andrews, Warshauer wrote, "Sending love to Kate Middleton, the future Queen of England and my university dormmate! This was us at a Hope Street flat party. I have the loveliest college memories with Kate. She is the kindest, most caring, down-to-earth, genuine person, and it’s incredible to see her shining so brightly and inspiring the world with her compassion and courage."

Warshauer’s post, which was initially shared in July while Kate was undergoing chemotherapy, took on even deeper significance.

Recently, Warshauer re-shared the original post on her Instagram Stories, including another unseen photo from their college days.

In the new photo, Kate can be seen smiling and in casual clothes, dressed in a dark blue polo and Nike cap, her arm around Warshauer.

Kate Middleton played major role in Prince William’s life before they became a couple

Laura Warshauer’s reflections on her friendship with Kate Middleton offer unique insights into the early days of the royal couple.

Long before their love story made global headlines, Kate was known at St Andrews for her close bond with Prince William.

According to Warshauer, Kate played an invaluable role in William’s life even before they officially became a couple, often stepping in as his “fake girlfriend” to help him navigate awkward social situations.

One particularly memorable incident recounted by Warshauer occurred when a fellow student was persistently flirting with William at a party.

"Will was getting really hit on by this girl at a party and it was getting quite uncomfortable because he couldn't shake her off," Warshauer explained.

Despite William’s polite attempts to diffuse the situation, the girl refused to take the hint.

Seeing her friend in need, Kate seamlessly stepped in. "All of a sudden Kate came up behind him and put her arms around him," Warshauer said. "He said, 'Oh, sorry, but I've got a girlfriend', and he and Kate went off giggling."

For Warshauer, the memory stands out as a defining moment that highlighted Kate’s unique place in William’s life.

"Kate was the only girl in the room who could have done that," she recalled, emphasizing how naturally Kate assumed the role of both a confidante and protective friend.

This incident, which Warshauer said took place "just a month after we started university," showcased the strong connection between Kate and William, even before they officially began dating.

Their friendship and easy camaraderie laid the foundation for a romance that would eventually captivate the world.