Long before she was photographed nearly-nude in France, Kate Middleton was photographed only partially dressed in St Andrews, when she appeared in a university fashion show wearing a flimsy negligeee.

It has been said that Prince William fell for his wife at that moment, muttering, "That's hot!' to a pal when she appeared on the catwalk at their university, St Andrews, and last night, as Kate and William supported a fundraising bash for their old university, Kate made a veiled reference to the infamous outfit.

While chatting to a female undergraduate about fund-raising initiatives, Kate said: "I hope you weren't involved in the fashion show, you never know what you are going to be asked to wear!"

The royal couple were supporting the University's 600th Anniversary Appeal which aims to provide financial support for able students who would not otherwise be able to study at St Andrews.

The couple arrived to the sound of bagpipes, Kate wearring the same lacy floor-length black Alice Temperley dress she wore to the premiere of War Horse with a red clutch bag to match her sparkling red poppy.

Addressing students, lecturers and alumni, he said: "Tonight is very special for Catherine and me. It brings together two institutions that are dear to us: our alma mater, St Andrews University, and Middle Temple, our hosts here tonight.

"First of all, we have been privileged to receive the best university educations. Secondly, we all love St Andrews. We love it for the academic start in life it gave us.

"We love it for its traditions - traditions that lie at the very heart of Scotland's history. We love it because it made us look beyond St Andrews, beyond the borders of Scotland, to the wide world. But perhaps most important of all, we love it for the friendships it has given us.

"As I look around this hall tonight - and even take a peek at the person sitting three from my left (Kate) - I thank God for those friendships - our friendship - forged in our ancient halls.

"I even include in that one of my alma mater, who shall remain nameless here tonight, who rang me today to say he'd pay good money for me not to speak."