Prince William and Kate Middleton come 'home' to St Andrews
Prince William and bride-to-be Kate Middleton looked perfectly relaxed and comfortable as they came "home" to St Andrews.
The prince and Kate before William's speech.
Thousands lined the streets in a bid to catch a glimpse of the couple who could one day be king and queen.
Few were left disappointed as the couple spent half an hour meeting and greeting well-wishers.
Excitement reached fever pitch as, following a morning of official engagements carried out behind closed doors, the pair emerged into the early spring sunshine to meet their public.
There were roars of approval as the couple chatted to many of the locals who had waited six long years for the pair to return to St Andrews following their graduation in 2005.
After Prince William and Miss Middleton met in the town, their fairytale romance captured the hearts of the nation.
They will marry at Westminster Abbey in London on April 29.
Nowhere was news of the engagement more enthusiastically welcomed then in St Andrews — something that was clearly evident on Friday as thousands of well-wishers passed on their congratulations to the happy couple.
However, there was more than a mere stroll along scenic North Street on the minds of Prince William and Miss Middleton.
The former students were in town to launch their alma mater's 600th anniversary.
On arrival in St Andrews, the couple were met by Lord Lieutenant of Fife Margaret Dean and were presented to a series of local dignitaries including Fife Provost Frances Melville, Chief Constable Norma Graham, university principal Professor Louise Richardson and veteran North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell, who is also chancellor of the university.
Miss Middleton was resplendent in a red woollen coat with black button detail and a black belt, while Prince William was dressed in a dark blue suit and tie.
Arriving at University House, they were ushered into Professor Richardson's residence for a welcome reception.
They then visited the university museum where they viewed the papal bull issued by Pope Benedict XIII in 1413 which formally commissioned the university. The institution had received its founding charter from Bishop Wardlaw in 1411.
Prince William is patron of the anniversary appeal and the couple's visit saw them attend a series of engagements within the walls of the university they called home for four years.
They walked past their old halls of residence before entering St Salvator's quadrangle, behind university staff carrying six ceremonial maces.
An invited audience of students and "friends" of the university gave the pair a rapturous welcome as they took to a makeshift stage erected on the lawn.
Looking out at the sea of undergraduates before him, Prince William joked about his carefree student days, saying, "I feel we have a pretty good chance of recreating Raisin Monday (a traditional St Andrews celebration which features a huge foam fight) right now!"
After the crowd composed themselves, he continued, "This is a very special moment for Catherine and me. It feels like coming home.
"Despite being one of Europe's leading research institutions, the third oldest university in the English speaking world and, of course, far and away the best university in the world, St Andrews still has that uncanny knack of feeling like home."
The prince said he was delighted to have been invited back to St Andrews, and to be playing such an active role in the university's future development.
"It is knowing that so many of Scotland's finest brains and greatest achievers gained — and continue to gain — inspiration from this place that makes me so proud to be the patron of our university's 600th anniversary appeal," he said.
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The prince also joked about plans to celebrate the anniversary — a party that is set to last three years.
"In true St Andrews style, and despite the great mathematicians whom its halls have produced, we still can't work out exactly how old we are," he said.
"Are we 600 this year, next year, or is it the year after that?
"What does it matter? Let's celebrate for three years."
Prince William also officially launched the 600 anniversary appeal.
"To mark this momentous anniversary, the appeal we are launching today aims to raise £100 million to invest in people and ideas, ensuring that the brightest students come to St Andrews regardless of background and circumstances ... and, once they get here, are taught by the best teachers," he said.
"The principal tells me that the national student survey consistently names St Andrews as the university with Britain's most satisfied students. I think I get what that means and it is reassuring to know that things have not changed.
"So, happy birthday St Andrews. Here is to you and here is to the next 600 years."
Prince William then unveiled a plaque to mark the visit before he and Miss Middleton met a number of students and dignitaries.
He spent time asking undergraduates about their studies, sharing a joke with many of them.
There was a pause as all eyes turned skyward, a roar of jets having heralded the arrival of three Typhoons, in tight formation, from nearby RAF Leuchars.
A lone piper then played as the pair made their way on to North Street, where they met the public.
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