Prince William and then Katherine Middleton were the stars of the early 2000s, with paparazzi following their every move.
Early morning taxi rides back from clubs in Chelsea, watching the polo together and generally enjoying their early twenties in London, the young couple were hard to miss.
Now, almost 20 years after their nights out began gracing front pages, it seems a new generation has fallen in love with William and Kate.
‘POV: you were both the IT couple in the 2000s,’ TikTok account willyandcath posted, paired with footage of Wills and Kate in their glory days.
Their graduation at St Andrew’s, William’s time at a military academy, cameras flashing as they walked into a black cab late at night – all set to the song ‘Paparazzi’ by Lady Gaga.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are TikTok famous, twenty years after their ‘prime’. But why?
Why are these videos going viral?
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Psychologist Dr. Lalitaa Suglani told Metro on behalf of Genting Casino: ‘Romanticising the past, particularly through nostalgic media, is a form of emotional regulation.
‘In uncertain or fast-paced modern times, people often seek comfort in familiar or “simpler” eras.’
‘The early 2000s hold a particular cultural aesthetic that many associate with optimism and pre-digital overload. Fan cams package these memories with soft music and filtered visuals, helping to trigger emotional responses tied to security, belonging, and longing – all connecting people to ways of feeling romanticised.’
What is a fan cam?
A fan cam is a video clip of a celebrity or influential figure, edited by fans, often to music and trending sounds, and shared online.
They’re particularly popular among K-pop fans, who use them to circulate footage fans take of their idols.
But they’re also silly – some online have made versions of fan cams with politicians and other figures who don’t quite fit the ‘vibe’ of a fan cam.
Dr Suglani added that social media has amplified this trend – the feel-good nostalgia can be accomplished through these short videos.
Prince William and Princess Kate’s early romance is also appealing because it resembles a fairy tale narrative.
‘A royal love story that played out publicly, full of relatable ups and downs. From a psychological perspective, we’re drawn to parasocial relationships, one-sided connections we form with public figures.
‘When older clips resurface, they don’t just remind us of the couple, they remind us of our own past selves, our own first loves, or a time when life felt more certain or romantic.’
What is our obsession with celebrity couples?
Dr Suglani explained: ‘Paparazzi culture fed the public’s appetite during the 2000s, creating a sense of “shared ownership” over their story.
‘This made their relationship feel both personal and accessible. Their royal status adds another layer, symbolism, tradition, and continuity, which taps into our brain’s love of narrative and structure.
‘Royalty offers familiarity and mythology. When we watch old footage, we’re not just watching two people in love, we’re reconnecting with a time, a feeling, and a narrative that brings emotional resolution.’
It seems our love affair with royal couples isn’t going away.
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