After first meeting as students nearly 10 years ago, Prince William and Kate Middleton returned to St. Andrews University in Scotland Friday.
"This is a very special moment for Catherine and me," William, 28, told more than 600 students and reporters. "It feels like coming home." (An additional 300 fans waited outside the university's grounds).
The couple had arrived in town the previous night to receive an early wedding present: a £70,000 scholarship in their honor, which will cover the cost of tuition and, if payable, accommodation and living expenses for a four-year undergraduate degree in science, arts, medicine or divinity.
The scholarship also kicks off the university's 600th anniversary celebrations.
Despite the strong winds, Middleton, 29, kept her poise in a red coat, black leather gloves and her favorite suede LK Bennet boots.
According to an onlooker, William "was attentive to Kate, often asking her, 'All good?' or 'OK?', which seemed to reassure her.
"He is absolutely a gentleman. Everywhere Kate walks, he would keep an eye on her to make sure she was alright," the onlooker tells UsMagazine.com. "And when they walked through doors or entrances, he would always let her go through first, putting a hand on her back."
William, who graduated in 2006 with a degree in geography, even had one of his former professors in the audience. See more photos of William and Kate's return to St. Andrews.
"It's wonderful to have them back here," Dr. John Walden, senior lecturer in geography, told Us. "They're a marvelous couple and I wish them the very best. William was my student and I have very fond memories of him; he's an incredibly hard worker. We are all very proud of him and his achievements."
A palace spokesman confirms to Us that the couple is now heading back to London to meet Prince Harry. The three will sign the book of condolences at the New Zealand High Commission (in memory of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake).
Charles, The Prince of Wales, was in London to do the same thing Thursday.
