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Memory lane: William and Kate enjoy romantic dinner date as they revisit uni years

Watch: Will and Kate spotted leaving a restaurant in St Andrews after returning to Scotland for a royal visit

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tried to have a quiet dinner date as they stayed overnight in the town where they first met - but word got out about the royal guests.

The couple have gone back to where it all began, returning to St Andrews University in Scotland, where they met 20 years ago.

On Tuesday evening, as they stayed overnight ahead of engagements on Wednesday, they went to dinner at Forgan’s, where they asked for private seating.

As students they used to frequent Pizza Express, according to PA Media.

But Forgan's, a contemporary restaurant with a Scottish twist, is a little more exclusive.

Manager Marc said: "There was a crowd outside once they left but as far as inside goes, it was quiet.

"There was no pomp and ceremony or fanfare, they were very nice and when they left they were very complimentary."

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge meet students as they visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
William and Kate at the University of St Andrews in St Andrews. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)

Marc did not give his last name, and said word had got back to him about the royal guests despite Tuesday being his night off.

Forgan's menu includes its classic dishes like a duck shepherd's pie, lobster mac and cheese and Ramsey's haggis.

Starters range from £6-13 while main courses are £11-30, with a whole lobster thermidor at £60.

At the university on Wednesday afternoon, the future king and queen consort spoke to current students, some of whom who weren't born when the royals met each other, about the struggles of the last year and how they have coped with the pandemic.

They spoke to Geography and History of Art students who are contributing to the ‘Can Do’ scheme, a joint initiative between the University and the St Andrews Students’ Association.

William, 38, graduated in Geography, having switched his degree subject halfway through, and Kate, 39, graduated in History of Art.

The Can Do scheme was launched in September 2020 to address the frustration and mental health challenges associated with not being able to experience university life in its fullness because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The scheme helps students by organising COVID-secure extra curricular events in the Can Do marquee.

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, take part in a tree planting ceremony as they visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
William and Kate took part in a tree planting ceremony as they visited the University of St Andrews. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, take part in a tree planting ceremony as they visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The couple planted the first tree for the St Andrews Forest. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)

Read more: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge go land yachting in town where they first met

William and Kate heard from students who had used the marquee for events like Ballroom and Latin dancing as well as charity and wellbeing activities to help boost morale on campus.

The royal couple also joined an interfaith discussion with students from the University’s School of Divinity, campus inter-faith groups including the student-run St Andrews Coexistence Initiative and the University Chaplain.

They heard about how different faiths have tried to understand one another more and support each other.

The duke and duchess helped paint socially distant hearts on the lawn, part of the Can Do work to help students spend time safely outside.

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
William and Kate were back in the university where they met on Wednesday. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The couple looked thrilled to be back. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
They heard about the Can Do scheme, helping students spend time together while restrictions continue. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)

Read more: Surfing, a sheer dress... and studying: 21 photos of Prince William and Kate at university

They finished their visit by planting the first tree at the St Andrews forest, an initiative to further St Andrews' plans to become carbon neutral by 2035.

William and Kate lived a few doors down from one another in their first year at the university, in 2001, and became friends, playing tennis and socialising together.

But she really caught his eye at a fashion show for charity when she strode down the catwalk in a sheer dress, revealing her underwear.

Kate is credited with encouraging him to stay at university when he wanted to drop out in his first year, and with helping him decide to switch his course.

He originally started reading History of Art, like Kate, but changed to Geography, graduating with a 2:1 in 2005.

Watch: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge try out land yachting

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
William and Kate started on the same course but he changed to study Geography instead. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrive to visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
They met in their first year when they lived close to one another in halls. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrive to visit the University of St Andrews in St Andrews on May 26, 2021. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Kate waved at waiting guests and well-wishes as they arrived at the university. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)

William and Kate became flatmates in their second year when they moved into a four-bedroom townhouse in Fife.

At the time, Kate was dating Rupert Finch, a fellow student.

It is rumoured their relationship began around Christmas 2003. They were pictured together in the Swiss ski resort of Klosters in March 2004.

They married in 2011 and now have three children, Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, two.