St Andrews crowds flock to welcome back royal couple

THEY met and fell in love here. And when Prince William and Kate Middleton made a return to their college town, they were once again embraced by the locals who had fiercely defended their privacy.

Thousands lined the cobblestoned streets of St Andrews in Scotland yesterday, in hope of catching a glimpse of the royal couple. Well-wishers of all ages and nationalities stood six deep in some spots, stretching out flowers and hands — hoping that a bit of the royal stardust would rub off.

Mhari Cowan, 19, a Scottish student from Troon who spoke to Middleton, beamed after her royal encounter.