PRINCE William admitted to being “nerve-racked” on his visit to St Andrews today (Fri).
The heir to the throne and Kate Middleton, who will marry at Westminster Abbey on April 29, visited their old university to join in with 600 year anniversary celebrations.
Retired couple Mike and Marlene Jones were among those who turned out to meet the Royal pair.
Mr Jones, 75, said: “They both asked us if we lived in St Andrews and where. He said that what he did today was almost as nerve-racking as graduation.”
Mrs Jones, 75, said: “I was quite amazed they stopped to talk to us. We came down for his graduation a few years back too.”
Mrs Jones added: “It’s such a wonderful opportunity to see them.”
Zoe Barrie, 36, from Fife brought her two year old daughter along to see the Prince and Kate.
She said: “How can you miss a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the happy couple?
“They both stopped and spoke to Martha, can’t remember exactly what they said, Kate said something like: “Who’s this little lady?”
She added: “It was amazing. I’m not a royalist at all but I was completely awestruck.”
The pair attended a service outside the university’s chapel on North Street. Choir music from the service rang through the town as it was broadcast through speakers on the outside of the chapel.
Prince William unveiled a plaque to mark his visit and the 600 year anniversary before he lead his fiancee out to meet the thousands of well-wishers and local school children.
Some arrived at 7am so they could grab a place in the front row for this “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
Denise Duguid, 52, an office manager, travelled with her mother from Dundee and arrived at 8.30am.
She said: “I just think they are a really lovely couple. I saw his mum when she was alive. She was gorgeous. She did such a good job with her kids.”
When asked about the forthcoming Royal wedding she said: “I think it’s just lovely. It’s kind of a fairytale and she seems so down to earth and they’ve been together such a long time.”
Her mum, Beatrice Millar, 75, said: “I’m here because I’m 75 so I don’t know if I’ll see them again and its not too far to come.”
