Prince William and Kate Middleton's 'homecoming' as second royal engagement ... - Mirror.co.uk

for their second royal engagement, Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton yesterday returned to the place they first met – St Andrews.

At the Scottish university, they chatted with students professors and even their old cleaner.

Kate, 29, who looked stunning in a striking scarlet and black outfit, and William were back at their former student haunt to launch the St Andrews 600th anniversary charity appeal.

William, 28, who has been made patron of the charity, told the audience: "This is a very special moment for Catherine and me. It feels like coming home."

Referring to the wild parties of his student days, he then joked: "It feels like we have a good chance of recreating Raisin Sunday today."

Mary Mathers, 67, who cleaned for the couple when they were undergraduates, said: "It was lovely to see them again. William talked about the fish and chip shop in Anstruther I put him on to. He also asked if I still look after students, but I retired two years ago."

Asked if the prince was tidy, she laughed: "I'm going to say yes."

Professor Brendan Cassidy, who is head of Art History which Kate did her degree in, said: "Kate was telling me she has kept all her essays. I said I kept mine, too, to show my children.

"She said, 'I'll do the same'."

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As an early wedding present to the couple, St Andrews launched a scholarship yesterday to give a student from a poor background the chance to study there.

After their visit, Kate and William went to the centre of Fife, where they were met by a cheering 3,000-strong crowd.

It appeared as if most of the town had turned out to see their famous former residents. As the couple stopped to chat and shake hands with the public, Kate revealed she is trying hard to keep pace with royal life. Glancing over at her fiance, she said: "I have to try and keep up with him. He's always faster than me."

Kate was heard saying, "It's good to be back", and was greeted by smiles and bunches of flowers.

Keir Paterson, four, who was on his mum's shoulders to get a better view, gave her a thistle posy.

Mum Shelley, 45, a human resources consultant, said: "Kate said, 'Are those for me?' took Keir's present and said, 'Are mummy's shoulders sore?' She was warm, welcoming and stunning."

William and Kate later joined Prince Harry in signing a book of condolence for the 113 confirmed victims of the New Zealand earthquake at the country's High Commission in London.

The royals were welcomed in by High Commissioner Derek Leask. Mr Leask said: "The Royal Family are also our Royal Family, so they are doubly welcome, hugely welcome.

"It's touching that they are joining us to express their condolences and I am sure New Zealanders welcome that. It is a privilege to have them here."