Jack Whitehall reveals school crush on Kate Middleton and royal encounters

The Princess of Wales attended Marlborough College from 1996 - 2000

Princess Kate is Marlborough Colleges most famous alumni
Princess Kate is Marlborough College's most famous alumni 

Princess Kate, the most famous alumna of Marlborough College, shares the prestigious school with several other notable figures.

Having joined the school in 1996, Kate's time at the institution coincided with comedian Jack Whitehall's attendance, who later revealed an amusing and somewhat "inappropriate" secret about their school days. 

At the Royal Variety Performance in 2014, Jack reflected on their shared education and revealed how Kate was his "first ever crush," much to the amusement—and mild discomfort—of Prince William.

Jack recounted this moment during a conversation with Jonathan Ross, explaining that after the show, William humorously confronted him about the flirtation. "William came over and he was very funny, he was very nice but very passive aggressive [and said] 'Oh, so you were flirting with my missus? Oh no, that was very funny!'" Jack joked.

This wasn't the first time Jack's comments about Kate led to trouble. He also recalled a performance at Kensington Palace, where a joke about Kate being "the one that got away" didn't go over well with King Charles. "I literally bombed so hard and afterwards I had to meet him and I had to bow and he said, 'Yes, well, I think next year we might try a magician,'" Jack laughed. 

The school, known for producing other influential figures like poet Sir John Betjeman and singer Chris de Burgh, also counts Pippa Middleton and Princess Eugenie among its distinguished alumni.

Princess Eugenie takes on new role week after joining King Charles for key duty
Princess Eugenie takes on new role week after joining King Charles for key duty
King Charles announced Princess Eugenie’s significant new role in his foundation, last week
Meghan Markle hints at new ventures after deciding to 'step back' from brand
Meghan Markle hints at new ventures after deciding to 'step back' from brand
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle launched her lifestyle brand As Ever in April 2025
King Charles manages cancer treatment despite hectic royal duties
King Charles manages cancer treatment despite hectic royal duties
The 76-year-old monarch was diagnosed from undisclosed form of cancer in February last year
Princess Diana's final resting property destroyed in suspected arson attack
Princess Diana's final resting property destroyed in suspected arson attack
King Charles' former wife and late Princess of Wales was tragically passed away in an accident in 1997
King Felipe, Queen Letizia visit Guadalupe to mark Monarch's major milestone
King Felipe, Queen Letizia visit Guadalupe to mark Monarch's major milestone
Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia made a joint appearance at historic UNESCO site
Monaco Royal Beatrice Borromeo turns heads at Dior Cruise show in Rome
Monaco Royal Beatrice Borromeo turns heads at Dior Cruise show in Rome
Princess Caroline of Monaco's son, Pierre Casiraghi, tied the knot with Beatrice Borromeo in 2015
King Frederik, Mary proudly celebrate Prince Christian’s military service end
King Frederik, Mary proudly celebrate Prince Christian’s military service end
Denmark’s Crown Prince Christian earns praise from King Frederik and Queen Mary upon completing his military service
King Frederik awards Count Nikolai, Count Felix with prestigious honors
King Frederik awards Count Nikolai, Count Felix with prestigious honors
Former Queen Margrethe stripped Prince Joachim’s children including Nikolai and Felix of their royal titles
Prince William addresses fans after expressing grief over Liverpool incident
Prince William addresses fans after expressing grief over Liverpool incident
The future king releases message for royal fans after grieving over the tragic car crash during Liverpool parade
Queen Mary’s key engagement ‘postponed’ after weather warning
Queen Mary’s key engagement ‘postponed’ after weather warning
The Queen of Denmark, Mary, teams up with WWF World Wildlife Fund for special cause
Buckingham Palace gives Princess Anne's update after King Charles UK return
Buckingham Palace gives Princess Anne's update after King Charles UK return
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have returned to the UK after successful two-day visit to Canada
King Charles’ fans blast Justin Trudeau for ‘disrespecting’ monarch
King Charles’ fans blast Justin Trudeau for ‘disrespecting’ monarch
King Charles III becomes second monarch to open Canada's Parliament in history