Long before Prince William became the future king, he was already winning Princess Kate Middleton’s heart—one home-cooked meal at a time. In a charming revelation shared during a 2019 interview with legendary baker Mary Berry, Kate opened up about William’s early attempts to impress her with his cooking skills during their university days at St Andrews.
Surprisingly, the prince’s signature dish wasn’t a lavish feast but a simple, classic spaghetti Bolognese. “He used to cook all sorts of meals. I think that’s when he was trying to impress me, Mary,” Kate recalled. “Things like Bolognese sauce, and things like that.”

While the dish may sound straightforward, it carried a special meaning. Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd notes that spaghetti Bolognese is not only budget-friendly but also an ideal meal to share, requiring just a handful of ingredients to create a comforting and hearty dish.
However, William’s culinary journey wasn’t without its mishaps. The prince humorously confessed that his attempts at cooking fancy dinners often ended in disaster. “I would burn something, something would spill over, or catch fire,” he said, adding that Kate would often step in to save the day. “She was sitting in the background trying to help and basically taking control of the whole situation. So I was quite glad she was there at the time.”
Despite the kitchen chaos, Kate clearly appreciated William’s efforts. Their shared laughter and teamwork in those early cooking adventures added a unique spark to their relationship.
Today, Kate revealed that William still enjoys cooking, especially breakfast. “He sometimes does, actually,” she told Mary Berry, highlighting that the prince’s love for the kitchen has continued.
This heartwarming story reminds us that sometimes, it’s the small, imperfect moments—like a burnt meal and a helping hand—that truly bring people together.