• May 19, 2003
• Vol. 59
• No. 19

Will's Women

By Simon Perry

A Girlfriend for the Prince of Hearts? Or Just a Gal Pal and a Back Rub?

What better way for Prince William to hide his girlfriend from prying eyes than to date one of his roommates? That's the talk in the Scottish town of St. Andrews, where Will is at college—and living with Kate Middleton, 20, along with two other students. "Everybody knows he is with Kate," says one local. "They are together." But only, insists the Palace, in the most literal sense of the word. They were together at a ball on May 3. They often walk to classes—together. And recently they were spotted cozily watching a rugby tournament in which William—who turns 21 next month—took part. Alas, it was a different girl who gave him a rubdown after the match, much to the disappointment of the proof-hungry British press. Says one frustrated Palace source, who had spent her day quashing false reports that Will was moving to New York: "Can't he have a friend who is female?" Well, sure—if you take the meaning of girlfriend literally.

More From This Article

A Long-Awaited Pregnancy for Sophie

Seventeen months after she lost a baby (and five pints of blood) in a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, Sophie Wessex, 38, wife of Britain's Prince Edward, has announced that she is due to give birth in December. Edward, 39, told well-wishers in Totnes, Devon, on May 6 that he was "thrilled and delighted" adding, "There's a first time for everything. She has been told that she has got to take it very easy. Doctor's orders."

A Walk on the Will Side

During the April 27 rugby tournament, William "was tackled really hard, but he kept on playing," notes a witness. Afterward he let a female pal walk all over him—for therapeutic reasons. Later, Will, whose team came second in the group, bought a round of lager for his pals at a local pub.