Long before she was the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton was a college student at St. Andrews University in Scotland — and it was there that she first caught the eye of her future husband, Prince William!

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Many royal fans forget that Kate — who was studying Art History at the time — once strutted down a catwalk in 2002 as a model in a student-run, charity fashion show at the university. Clad in a see-through, black slip dress, Kate turned heads as she modeled a bespoke Charlotte Todd design for the special occasion. It was then that 19-year-old William reportedly began to look at his friend, Kate, in a totally different light.

kate middleton model splash

The dress Kate once modeled in a charity fashion show. (Photo Credit: Splash)

According to several outlets, William later cornered Kate at the “Don’t Walk” fashion show’s afterparty and kissed her — and basically, the rest is royal romance history! So, can we credit the now mom-of-two’s super-revealing catwalk frock for bringing one of the world’s most beloved couples together? The dress’ designer Charlotte sure thinks so!

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“The dress is a part of fashion history — the moment William could first have fallen in love with Kate — and that makes me really proud,” the told the Daily Mail back in November 2010. “If it hadn’t been see-through, William might not have noticed her. I definitely think it has a played a part in the royal love story.”

“She looked fabulous and I think she could become a style icon like Princess Diana. Kate was a great clothes horse to show off my design. Her body was the exact right shape to pull it off,” Charlotte continued.

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While attending a glamorous charity gala at St. Andrews in November 2012, Kate cheekily mentioned her past modeling days while speaking to an undergraduate student at the event. “I hope you weren’t involved in the fashion show. You never know what you are going to be asked to wear!” she said, according to the Mirror. Too funny!

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