Pals of Prince William's new girlfriend Kate Middleton boast they always knew the stunning brunette would woo the British royal, because she once declared she lusted for him.

The pair - who are both studying at St Andrews University in Scotland - were photographed together on the slopes of exclusive Swiss ski resort Klosters, and friends of the History of Art student admit they used to tease her about becoming the future Queen.

Before heading to university, Kate worked as a deckhand on the BT Globval Challenge yacht - based in Southampton, England.

One of her colleagues on the boat says, "Kate was gorgeous and very popular. She was from a good family and seemed just perfect for the prince. After the crew heard Kate and William were both going to St Andrews we said they'd end up getting together.

"We used to tell her, 'You'll be the Queen one day.' It was a long-running joke.

"She used to laugh along but you could tell she really liked him. She admitted, 'I do fancy Wills.'

"Kate was so beautiful we were sure William would fall for her. She's a lovely girl, good luck to her."