Like Diana, Kate is a style icon and the veritable embodiment of the People’s Princess. Observers believe her marriage to Prince William earned the British royal family more affection than it had recently. Still, how much do we know about the rising star of the British monarchy? Here are glimpses into the surreal life of Kate Middleton thus far.
She Had An Ordinary Childhood
Catherine (Kate) Middleton was born on January 9, 1982, to proud parents, Michael and Carole Middleton. Her parents met and fell in love while working as flight attendants for British Airways. In 1987, they founded a mail-order business that sold supplies for children’s parties. Catherine and her two younger siblings (Pippa and James) had a quiet, ordinary upbringing in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
The success of the family business and some family inheritance enabled Catherine to attend St. Andrew’s, an excellent prep school, and on to the highly-esteemed Marlborough College later. Kate was an accomplished student, excelling in academics and sports.
She Attends The University Of St. Andrews
When it came to education, the princess went all the way. In 2001, Kate signed up for a degree in History of Art at the University of St. Andrews. The beautiful brunette would have scarcely known how the innocuous choice of a university would completely transform her life.
Taking this step in life was about to turn her life upside down. Things were not going to be the same. It was where she met fellow art history student Prince William, who was second in line to the British throne at the time. The romance between them grew steadily - fortunately, the press was none the wiser yet.
Kate And William Were Housemates
Kate and William were housemates before they started dating. They hung out in the same circle of friends, most living in the same cottage. Everyone in the flat got on very well. Kate and Prince William gradually grew very close, and the relationship blossomed organically from then.
The pair saw more of each other and hung out more often. Regardless of how or where the couple first met, it was fate that they would end up together. In a few years down the line, the modest couple would turn out to be one of the most famous items in the world.
Kate And William Have A Moment
Although sparks had been flying, Kate and Prince William remained friends for a while. Things changed in 2002, during a student fashion show, when Kate walked the ramp in a sheer outfit. Although she wasn't dressed to fit royalty, she was stunning in everyone's eyes.
Rumor has it that William began to see her in a completely different light, and that’s when they went from friends to something more – or at least that’s what the world would like to believe. On his part, Prince William maintained that the turning point in their relationship developed gradually after spending more time together.
The Love Story Begins
Kate and Prince William began dating in 2002. The couple kept things incredibly discreet until 2004, when they went public with the relationship while vacationing together in Switzerland. How did the couple manage to keep their relationship a secret? It was primarily due to a gentleman’s agreement between the royal family and newspaper editors.
As a result, the pair remained safe in a bubble of privacy, free from tabloid scrutiny for most of their days at St. Andrews. This agreement was temporary, as soon the whole world discovered the woman who was thought to be the future queen of England.
She Moves To London After University
Of course, the media attention intensified as soon as Kate graduated from university. She accepted a job as a junior buyer with a fashion chain, Jigsaw, and set up a home in London. Her royal beau had meanwhile joined the military and thrown himself into training. Kate's sudden celebrity status may not have been easy, but she handled the press scrutiny with poise.
Despite intrusions by the paparazzi. Kate kept to herself and attempted a semblance of private life. She took on different roles at her parents’ company and did a lot of charity work during this period.
Her First Public Appearance
Kate continued being the subject of intense media fascination. Despite the overwhelming press interest, the couple’s romance appeared to be going from strength to strength. In 2006, Kate made her first public appearance with the royal family. She and her family attended the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst.
Kate joined the royal family in supporting Prince William, who was part of the parade. Her presence signaled to the world that the relationship was the real deal. This was the beginning of a new era not only in her own personal life but also in a change for the whole royal family.
Engagement Rumors And Mania
Soon enough, the press spotted Kate joining William, his father, and his brother on several holidays. Speculation about an engagement announcement made the rounds like wildfire. One store went ahead of itself and even commissioned memorabilia around the imminent event. It is safe to say that nobody saw what was coming instead. In April 2007, the tabloids announced that the royal pair had gone their separate ways.
The news came as a shock to even the most dedicated followers of the royal romance thus far. We know today that things worked their way, and everyone lived happily ever after; however, the separation announcement was as devastating as it could have been back then.
Conjectures On The Royal Split
Tabloid newspapers were rife with speculation on the couple’s split – some reports were cautious, while others were downright salacious. Anonymous sources weighed in regularly. One report went so far as to claim that Prince William had met someone “much more exciting.”
Kate was the perfect woman for William and the perfect woman to sit on the throne. The royal family knew it; the entire United Kingdom knew it. Some insiders had the right handle on the situation. An anonymous source close to Kate believed it was just a break. It wouldn’t be the last we would see of the couple.
Kate And William Rekindle The Romance
As predicted, the separation did not last long. By June 2007, news buzzed about the couple having rekindled their romance. A month later, Kate and her mother attended the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium, which seemed to confirm the couple was back together.
Still, Kate and Prince William sat two rows apart and insisted they were “good friends” and nothing more. The couple presumably decided to keep their second chance at a relationship out of the spotlight. Unlike before, they stopped visiting their old haunts, and the world rarely saw them in public together.
Trouble With Paparazzi
Too often, the paparazzi accosted Kate – a troubling repetition of history that gravely concerned Prince William. A royal family spokesperson told newspapers how the prince wanted more than anything for the press to stop harassing Kate. In late 2007, Kate left her job at Jigsaw and took on a production role in her parents’ company.
It allowed her to spend more time with Prince William – supporting him at polo matches and attending family events. The couple frequently went on holidays overseas, their relationship growing again in strength.
Kate Trains To Cross The English Channel
In 2007, Kate briefly trained with The Sisterhood, an all-woman dragon-boat crew preparing to cross the English Channel for charity. The future Duchess joined the training at a friend’s invitation. Kate, an already accomplished sportswoman, was keen to compete since the race supported charity. The prospect was exciting since the team was racing against an all-male crew.
Kate had to withdraw from the event due to grave security concerns. She was reportedly upset but decided to drop out after considering the safety of the team as a whole. The paparazzi had become such a nightmare that Kate's lawyers issued a warning to respect her privacy.
Kate At Her Parents’ Company
The Middleton siblings, notably Kate, played a decisive role in shaping their parents’ company. As children, Kate and her siblings modeled for the company catalog and helped develop new categories for the brand. Several catalogs featured Pippa and Kate holding cupcakes and wearing t-shirts with their ages printed.
A CNN report later revealed that in 2008, Kate spearheaded the launch of a new babies’ parties division in the company, which also supported a charity called Starlight Children’s Foundation. Kate and her sister Pippa were mini child celes within their local community and would later on become super celebs.
Her Allergy to Horses
Kate is among the few in the royal family who has ever been on horseback. Unlike Prince William, she never learned horse riding as a child or grew up around them. In 2009, the Duchess told Australian author Katty Lette that she is severely allergic to horses. Reports say the Duchess is actively working to overcome her allergy.
She has made it a point to spend more time with horses. Kate has also been photographed around horses and will pat them on occasion. As horses are a significant part of royal life, she really never had an option, and she had to learn how to live alongside this beautiful creature.
When The Queen Broke Protocol For Kate
The late Queen Elizabeth was the most important person in the royal family, and getting along with her was top priority to anyone joining the family. In the summer of 2009, Kate and the Queen spent quality time together on a family trip to Balmoral.
The two seem to have got on well, which is evident in how the late Queen broke protocol and permitted Kate to take photos of the estate. It was an unprecedented generous gesture by the late Queen since Kate and Prince William were not married then. Kate must have done something right for someone as composed as the Queen to let her guard down.
“Waity Katie”
It wasn’t long before media speculation about the couple’s marriage plans resumed. Days passed, and the months turned into years without so much as a peep about wedding bells. During this time, an evidently exasperated British media began calling her “Waity Katie.” Thankfully, the wait and name-calling would not last much longer.
In October 2010, Prince William popped the question to Kate while they were holidaying in Kenya. Kate would later describe to the press how romantic the engagement was. Prince William gave her the same sapphire ring his mother, the late Princess Diana, wore when she got engaged - his way of ensuring his mother did not miss out on that moment.
The Royal Couple Announce Their Engagement
In November 2010, the royal family issued a public statement announcing the engagement of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. The prince had informed the queen and other close members of the family. He had also sought permission from Kate’s father. The happy couple later appeared at a press conference, stating that the timing was right.
In preparation for her new life and entry into the royal family, Kate assumed the more formal name - Catherine. She was born Catherine; however, this was the first time her official name would be heard. Her full name was no stranger to the British History books, and many grand women carry the same title.
Kate And William Chat With The Press
Kate and Prince William appeared in a series of interviews after their engagement. In one of them, Kate described how she blushed a "bright red" and scurried off shyly when she met the prince for the first time at university. The future Duchess shared how they eventually became good friends, even though the prince did not participate in Fresher’s Week.
He was conspicuously absent the first few weeks, so it took time for the couple to get to know each other. There was no rush, and things really did take a slow pace, but you know what they say. For the good things in life, one must wait.
Kate Did Not Have Pictures Of William
The royal romance piqued the curiosity of many an eager fan, and with a relationship as high profile as this one - gossip was rife. One of the rumors was that Kate had pictures of the prince plastered across the walls of her room. The Duchess quashed the rumors once and for all during the engagement interview in 2010.
The only poster she had was of the Levis guy, she countered. Prince William jokingly added that it was probably him in Levis. Kate and William had a true fairytale going on, and everything (including the breakup they had) was part of this Cinderella story most girls in the world envied.
Kate And The Queen
During the 2010 post-engagement video, Kate revealed that she officially met the late Queen only five years after she started dating Prince William. Their first formal introduction was at the wedding of Peter Philips (son of Princess Anne). Her revelation came as a surprise to many. Kate had previously attended several events where the late Queen was present.
Reports later clarified that the late Queen may have steered clear of a formal introduction since the couple was still working out their relationship in the first five years. As far as the queen was concerned, there was no point in starting any relationship with Kate until things between the couple were certain.
The Demand For Her Engagement Dress
The news about Kate and Prince William’s engagement was a big deal. Fashion enthusiasts were especially keen on the blue dress that Kate wore to the announcement. The staggering number of people who wanted to get their hands on it meant the brand could not keep up with sales and inventory.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, the designer shared how her small 25-person staff struggled to meet the demand. The brand went out of business two years later. Soon enough, every single dress Kate wore would become a fashion icon that had to cater to thousands of fans.
The Royal Wedding
On April 29, 2011, Kate left her past life as a commoner behind and officially joined the British royal family. The wedding of the century took place at Westminster Abbey with an estimated global audience of 3 billion people. All eyes were on the radiant bride, who looked stunning in an Alexander McQueen dress.
Her silk dress with ivory lace featured four distinct motifs – rose, shamrock, thistle, and daffodil – representing the four countries in the United Kingdom. With a price tag of approximately $34 million, the royal wedding was one of the most lavish nuptials in history.
A Homage To Princess Diana
English brides abide by a timeless tradition where they must carry “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” on their wedding day. Like others before her, Kate honored this tradition in her own way. Her “something old” was the Alexander McQueen bridal gown that featured traditional Irish lace-making techniques. The diamond earrings gifted by her parents were her “something new.”
For “something blue,” Kate honored the later Princess Diana by sewing a blue ribbon into her dress. Princess Diana had a similar blue ribbon sewn to her gown when she married Prince Charles in 1981.
Her Hair On Her Wedding Day
Being a royal might open doors to the world’s best designers, but it also comes with countless fashion rules. News reports alleged that the royal family strongly advised Kate to wear her hair up for the royal wedding, as Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth did for theirs. The half-up-half-down style for weddings was frowned upon in royal circles.
Kate had her heart set on wearing her hair down with flowing curls. It was her favorite way to wear her hair, and Prince William loved it on her, too. No matter how her hair was, and regardless of her wearing it down, no matter what she would have done, Kate would have made an astonishing bride.
Royal Titles And Trips
Kate walked out of Westminster Abbey as the Duchess of Cambridge. In June 2011, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge set out on their first international trip for the British royal family. Kate and Prince William traveled to Canada for a series of appearances. The couple also traveled to America, where they attended a red carpet event in Los Angeles, California.
The next few years were going to be busy and intense, and her duties as a member of the royal family had just begun. She was now a representative of the crown and the future mother of the next one in line for the throne. Big responsibilities came ahead.
Scandals And Press Feuds
Among the biggest scandals that Kate encountered was in 2012, when French tabloids published topless photos of her while holidaying in France. The Duchess was sunbathing in a secluded villa when paparazzi captured photos using a long lens camera. Royal aides issued a strongly worded statement, comparing the incident to the worst excesses of the press during Diana's life.
The royal couple sued Closer magazine and the newspaper La Provence for $1.9 million in damages. French courts also granted the couple an injunction against publishers of the images. Never again would Kate be seen in such an explosive photo, revealing such intimacy and flesh.
Kate And William's Announcement
On December 3, 2012, St James’s Palace announced that Kate and Prince William were expecting their first child. The delight was universal, but the announcement came early in her pregnancy for another reason. Kate was suffering from a severe pregnancy sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum that needed hospitalization.
Three days after the announcement, the press spotted the royal couple leaving the hospital after Kate had undergone her treatment. The severe sickness continued to take a toll on Kate until her final trimester. Pregnancy can be very difficult for some women, and unfortunately, Kate had to share her most challenging hours with the world.
Prince George Is Born
On July 22, 2013, the couple welcomed their first son, Prince George Alexander Louis, into the world. Named after Queen Elizabeth’s father and grandfather, the boy will reign as King George VII by the end of the 21st century. The country celebrated the prince’s arrival with gun salutes in the Tower of London and Green Park.
The bells at Westminster Abbey rang for three hours. The new parents showed off their little boy in a photocall outside St. Mary’s Hospital in London before heading to the Middleton family home. Kate fulfilled her so-called royal duty by providing a male heir to the throne.
The Controversy Around Her Dressmaker
Fans are continually looking out for what Kate wears, catapulting many designers to fame and success. During a 2012 tour of the Pacific, the Duchess stepped out wearing a yellow cotton lace dress. Fans could not figure out who had designed the dress. Many people believed she chose to wear something without a brand name since she perhaps couldn’t find something she liked from the Solomon Islands.
A year later, the palace revealed that Kate had a private dressmaker who made her a peach maternity dress. Fans quickly connected the dots. Some took offense, saying it prevents British businesses from benefitting from the Kate Middleton effect.
Prince George’s First Royal Tour
In 2014, the royal couple embarked on a three-week royal tour of Australia and New Zealand and decided to bring Prince George - their first tour as a family of three. Kate’s express wish was to have her son spend as much time as possible outside the palace walls. She wanted him to experience life the same way she did growing up.
A royal tour was far from ‘normal,' but it gave the prince an excellent head start, regardless. Prince William was the first royal to live a relatively normal life, as until then, the royal children grew up with nannies and were not close to their mothers.
Princess Charlotte’s Arrival
In September 2014, the royal couple announced that Kate was expecting a second child. Once again, the announcement came much before the 12-week mark. The Duchess took violently ill due to her pregnancy sickness, missing a series of public engagements. On May 2, 2015, Princess Charlotte was born at 8.34 am, weighing 8lb 3oz.
Kate gave birth again at St. Mary’s Hospital, calling on the same team of doctors as before. Since it was a natural birth, Kate and Prince William left the hospital just hours after she had given birth. She would later describe how she preferred labor over her severe pregnancy sickness. At least labor had an end in sight, the Duchess said.
Meanwhile, Outside The Hospital
The public was overjoyed when they heard the news of Kate’s second pregnancy. What could be happier than another prince or princess joining the royal family? As the due date approached, a group of die-hard royalists camped outside St. Mary’s Hospital in London for weeks - sleeping in tents across the street from the hospital, hoping for a glimpse of the second baby.
On learning about this, the royal couple sent pastries and hot coffee to people at the makeshift camp. If they were going to camp out all night, the least they could do was make it as warm as possible.
A Change Of Scenery For The Family
Following Princess Charlotte’s birth, the royal couple decided to leave London and move to a remote country home that same year. The 10-bedroom Anmer Hall was a wedding gift from the Queen - reportedly offering the family some much-needed privacy and normalcy.
Kate and Prince William could walk into the village with the children without being bothered, which is priceless when considering a famous family like the royals. Residents never tried to chat them up or trouble them for pictures – which was why the couple (especially Kate) loved this part of the country.
Kate Middleton’s Favorite TV Shows
One might wonder about the life of royals and whether they get any downtime from their immensely busy schedules – particularly for Kate, thrust suddenly into the spotlight. During an address at the 2015 BAFTAs, Prince William shared that both he and Kate liked to unwind with “Downton Abbey” (2010-2015) and “Homeland” (2011 – 2020).
“Game of Thrones” (2011 – 2019) was another of Kate’s favorites. That same year, Kate visited the “Downton Abbey” set at Ealing Studios in London. So, except for a few people waiting on them, Kate and William are very similar to us commoners.
Vacations And Royal Tours
In March 2016, the family of four went on their first vacation together, skiing in the French Alps. According to reports, it was the first time Prince George and Princess Charlotte played in the snow, as the English landscapes don't tend to turn white every winter. The British scenery is muddier than sparkling pure white.
By all accounts, the two thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Later that year, the wonderful family of four embarked on another adventure abroad – this time, on a royal tour to Canada. They spent eight days in Canada, marking their first successful royal tour together.
When She Skipped Presenting The Shamrocks
In 2016, Kate broke convention by choosing to stay at home with her children instead of presenting the shamrocks to the 1st Battalion of Irish Guards on St. Patrick's Day - a long-standing tradition started by Queen Victoria to commemorate English support for Ireland during the Boer War.
Observers ridiculed the Duchess for skipping the event while her husband attended. The palace released a statement saying she could not make it because she prioritized time with her children before a hectic tour to India and Bhutan the next month. The 2000s way of life around the palace shore had changed over the years.
She Made Chutney For The Queen
Gifting thoughtful Christmas presents every year is tough, so imagine having to get a gift for a Queen. In a 2016 documentary, Kate revealed how worried she had been about an appropriate gift for the Queen during her first Christmas at Sandringham. She thought back to what she would give her grandparents and decided she would make something.
The Duchess finally zeroed in on her grandmother’s recipe for chutney. Things could have gone horribly wrong, of course. Kate noticed it on the table the next day, much to her delight and relief, and to anyone, nothing could be more comforting than people enjoying what you made (or brought).
Her “Controversial” Fashion Choices
When one joins the royal family, they are given a long list of dos and don'ts, and many of those don'ts are regarding the clothes one must never be seen in. Some of Kate’s most controversial moments have involved fashion. Who else remembers the time when she wore wedges (gasp!)?
Kate created a stir within the royal household when she wore wedges while on a royal visit to a cider farm. Everyone, including the fashion police, found nothing wrong with her look. But the Queen wasn’t a big fan of wedges. Since then, Kate allegedly began wearing them only to events where the Queen wasn’t present.
Kate And Meghan Markle
In January 2017, Kate and Meghan met at a gathering in Kensington Palace. Meghan and Harry had been dating for over six months then, but the relationship was growing serious. By all accounts, the first meeting between them went well. Meghan visited a day after Kate’s birthday, and she came bearing a gift.
She gave the Duchess a Smythson notebook - a heartfelt gesture that Kate appreciated. Meghan had already met Prince William two months before meeting Kate. Since then, the two have been on a rollercoaster of a relationship, not being each other's favorite cup of tea.
The Sisters-In-Law Bond Over Proper Lunch
In March 2017, Prince Harry brought Meghan to meet Prince William and Kate for lunch at Norfolk. It was the first time Kate and Meghan got to know each other well. Before the lunch, the two had bumped into each other several times while at Kensington Palace but only made small talk.
Sources said Kate welcomed Meghan with open arms. The media would continue publishing several reports about their friendship. Kate considered Meghan a “breath of fresh air,” while Meghan saw the Duchess as a friend, helping her navigate this very different world.
The Family Moves Back To London
After a few blissful years in the country, the couple announced in 2017 that they were officially moving back to London and Kensington Palace. They planned on major renovations, with plans to build an enormous basement extension to the property. Kate and Prince William soon settled back into London life.
The couple remained busy with family and official engagements, but they made it a point to enjoy some downtime. Their favorite ways to unwind were ordering takeout curry and watching "Game of Thrones" and "Homeland" once the kids were asleep. Sounds very familiar, we must say.
Prince Louis' Birth
On September 4, 2017, Kate and Prince William announced they were expecting baby number 3. The royal statement was similar to the previous two pregnancies – the family was delighted, but Kate suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum. On April 23, 2018, Prince Louis was born in the same hospital wing as his older siblings.
Supermom Kate presented her new baby to the world just seven hours after giving birth. The little prince was born a few weeks before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. Could you imagine baby Louis hanging in there briefly and stealing Meghan's thunder?
A Patron Of The Arts
Kate loves photography and is an honorary member of the Royal Photographic Society. Several of Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte’s official portraits have been their mother’s handiwork. She is known for taking candid photos that capture milestones like the first day of school, the first baby steps, and other occasions like birthdays.
In 2018, the Duchess became the first royal patron of the distinguished Victoria and Albert Museum in London - a fitting relationship for someone keen on photography, visual arts, and design. Kate has also been a long-standing patron of the National Portrait Gallery.
Team Kate Or Team Meghan?
The first reports of alleged tension between Kate and Meghan came out in March 2018. A correspondent for Vanity Fair shared that the two women are friendly and spend a lot of time with each other. Meghan seemed to enjoy spending time with Kate and the children. Any animosity was likely fabricated by the media.
Still, there was a strong indication that the two were not feuding but decidedly not the best of friends yet. Kate and Meghan were different people with varying interests. On her part, Meghan seemed keen to establish her circle of friends while also spending time with Kate.
Kate Breaks Down
Prince Harry and Meghan got married in May 2018. Days before the royal wedding, media outlets published a story that Kate was emotionally distressed. Sources told the press that Kate broke down and was in tears after a bridesmaid’s dress fitting for Princess Charlotte.
The press shared no specifics about what led to the event and said that Kate may have felt emotional since she had just given birth to Prince Louis. Kate showed no signs of anxiety or stress on the wedding day and played the part of the supporting sister-in-law - to perfection.
Kate and The Sussexes' Leaving
By November 2018, rumors about an alleged feud between Kate and Meghan had spread like wildfire. It began in August 2018 when news about a royal split in Kensington Palace took the country by storm. Newspaper reports said Prince William and Prince Harry were splitting their professional responsibilities at Kensington Palace.
Prince Harry would have a separate office. Shortly after, he and Meghan moved out of Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage. The press suggested Meghan might be the catalyst for the split, and until now, no one knows what happened there ( and for most, no one really cares).
When Kate Wore Diana's Earrings
In 2019, the Duchess of Cambridge caused a stir with her choice of earrings at baby Archie’s christening portrait. Kate wore the same earrings Dina wore to Prince Harry’s Christening in 1994 – a pair of beautiful Collingwood Pearl Earrings. Fans of the royal family thought it was in bad taste.
The earrings would have made sense if it were her children’s christening. If anyone should be wearing heirlooms from Diana, it was Meghan. Royal observers accused Kate of attempting to upstage Meghan. Kate has managed to make a reputation for herself as the one who came between Meghan and William, Meghan and the late Queen, Meghan and...you know where we are going.
She Took Off Her Engagement Ring
In 2020, royal fans spotted Kate without her trademark sapphire engagement ring in one of her photos at home. She was photographed wearing only her wedding band. Before the internet could lose its mind, news reports clarified that she had adhered to rigorous handwashing protocols during the previous two years.
Concern turned into relief when people realized the ring was off for no particular reason, and everything was sailing smoothly. People (and especially journalists) love the yellow coating on the day's news, and when it comes to Kate and William, they can never get enough.
Her Legal Battle with Tatler
The press writes wild stories about the royal family all the time. Traditionally, the palace will rarely issue comments – that is until Tatler published a cover story about Kate in May 2020. The article claimed to have spoken to many of her friends, who shared how the Duchess was upset about her workload after Prince Harry and Meghan’s exited the royal family.
In an uncharacteristic move, Kensington Palace released a strongly-worded statement criticizing the article for “false misrepresentations” and “inaccuracies.” Prince William and Kate sent legal notices to the Tatler, demanding the story be taken down.
They Face Backlash
In 2022, Kate and Prince William embarked on an overseas royal tour after remaining in the UK for the previous two years. The couple meant to tour the Caribbean to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, but the trip did not turn out as planned. Unlike previous royal tours, they faced severe backlash and criticism.
From Belize to Barbados, local communities organized protests - criticizing the monarchy’s colonial past and associations with the slave trade. As we embrace the modern days, not all are in favor of the monarch, and many see this as a waste of taxpayers' money that should be invested elsewhere.
Future Queen
In September 2022, Kate's title changed. She was no longer just the Duchess of Cambridge, and she became Princess of Wales, the future Queen of England. Diana, Princess of the People, was the last woman to carry that title.
Kate inherited the title after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and is now next in line to be queen. Her young spirit and her understanding of the new generation that has grown in the kingdom ensure that Kate will fulfill her duty with grace and dignity and help adapt to the changes the royal family is going through.
She Is a Qualified Scuba Diver
There are so many interesting facts about Kate Middleton that shed light on the fact that although she is royal, at the end of the day, we are all the same. Years back, a member of the prestigious royal family taking some workshops or going traveling around the world was unheard of, however, today, when the future queen of England gets her scuba diver qualification, nothing sounds better.
In 2015, Kate gained her advanced diving qualification, which opened a world of opportunities and made it possible for her to join her husband, William, underwater. The princess is qualified to dive as deep as 98ft, meaning she is officially a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors).
A Middle Eastern Touch
You may think that only after Middleton married into the British royal family did her life become more adventurous with exotic trips to exquisite places, but the truth is, the Princess of Wales became a world traveler at a very young age. When Kate was just two years old, she moved with her family to live in Amman, Jordan.
Kate's father was offered a position with British Airways, which he couldn't refuse, and the royal princess went to a local (English-speaking) nursery. The Middleton family lived in Jordan for a total of two years, and in 2021, almost three decades later, Kate and William took their own children there to visit.
Singing Choir Girl
Kate and William's daughter, Princess Charlotte, attends a church choir on a regular basis. You'll be surprised to discover that little Charlotte is not the first member of the British Royal family to sing. When Kate was a young girl, she loved to sing and took part in a children's church choir, too, just like her little girl does today.
In one interview, Kate revealed that Charlotte loved to sing in the morning. Before leaving for school, she sings her favorite hymn, and Kate (without Charlotte knowing) sings along with her. We would love to be a fly on that wall.
In Her Free Time
Her life might be filled with obliging duties. However, she finds enough time in her busy schedule for many royal things. She is a guru of jigsaw puzzles and has gotten this love of hers from her children, too. Putting the pieces together helps her relax and unwind from her hectic life.
She loves cooking and makes a point of participating in cooking events. The theater is another passion of hers, and whenever she gets a chance, she can be found watching a movie or enjoying a musical. We don't suppose she can be seen in the local cinema, however, you will be able to spot her in fancy premiers and on grand opening night.
Meg Bellamy
When the final season of "The Crown" was released in early 2024, all eyes were on Meg Bellamy, who played the role of Kate Middleton. She was introduced onto the show on the second episode of the 6th and final season and arrived with a relatively modest resume behind her.
The young 21-year-old actress had the role of Middleton as her first meaningful on-screen credit. In the past, many of her friends kept telling her that she looked like a princess. However, she had never seen the resemblance, so arriving for the audition with no agent and little stage experience, she never thought she would get the part. Unlike Prince William and the late Queen Elizabeth, Kate has reportedly never seen the show.
You Are Busted
Although she is a beauty, Middleton has been caught camera surprised on more than one occasion. This is one of her most iconic, how should we put this... less flattering pictured moments of the Princess of Wales. When the Princess of Wales takes her time to taste a piece of fruit, everyone stops to pay attention. Prince William and the other bystanders were eagerly waiting to see her reaction.
You can practically see the excitement on William’s face as he anticipates his loving wife’s reaction to the tasting. Kate looks beautiful as usual, and the UK flags in the back certainly help with the ambiance. But let's face it, there was never a flattering photo of someone putting food in their mouth. Remember that next time you’re considering a food selfie.
Wrong Pose
When Kate visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 in London, she never thought this photo would be on the news, let alone the front pages. She must have trod on something and wanted to check it out and not drag it along with her.
Unfortunately, this is the result. The Princess of Wales was wearing a great outfit that made her fit perfectly with the scenery. Too bad the most popular photo from the event ended up looking all kinds of wrong. Next time you’re checking out the bottoms of your shoes, be aware of your hand positioning and avoid pulling a “Kate.”
Huh?
The expression on Kate’s face is completely priceless in this one. She clearly saw something that made her go, “Wait… what?” in her mind, and this was the outcome. Whoever took this picture was either really lucky or asked her something that created this expression. It was probably something more along the lines of “What did you think about Brexit”? But who knows...
We are sure there were many moments out there when Kate had a transparent look and expression on her face, just like this one, however, the point is to capture the moment and share another side of the princess not everyone knows exists.
Cheltenham or Gentleman?
Not quite sure what's going on here, but it's not every day you see a princess with someone that is not related to her. It could be Kate extremely enjoying herself at the Cheltenham Festival horse racing in Gloucestershire, or it could be her feeling awkward being caught on camera with a man who is not William.
If the royal family hasn't spoken or explained who the mystery man is, then maybe this is all legit, and nothing wrong is going on here. Until writing these lines, we have still not figured out who the gentleman is beside her. Whoever you are, speak now or forever keep silent.
Women's Sports
Volleyball can be great fun if you understand the game, and it doesn't matter if you are participating in the game or just watching and enjoying the sport. In this photo, we can see that Prince William didn't really understand what was going on and was very grateful for bringing his wife, Kate, to explain the rules of the game. And we don't blame him.
This was taken during a demonstration of women's volleyball while the royal couple was visiting the University of British Columbia in Canada. Apparently, William is not into women's sports. He is more into his eyebrows.
Sing a Song
We love seeing photos of Kate in such a natural way, and it makes us relate to her and feel even closer. By what appears to be in this photo, she is in the back of a black cab, either singing along to her favorite tune on the radio or maybe shouting out to the driver to take the next left.
The streets of London can get tricky if you are not familiar with the roads, so luckily enough, this driver was having a good day with Kate in the back. Either way, beautiful Kate has for sure had her share of happy days and joyful hours before settling down inside the palace walls.
Virgin Airlines
In 2006, Kate had already met Prince William, however, they weren't going steady yet. These were the days when Kate could go out on a Saturday night without being particularly bothered by whether her paparazzi photo was taken or not. This was true until that night when she bumped into one of the biggest names in the kingdom.
This picture was taken in The Roof Gardens in London. Kate and famous billionaire Sir Richard Branson were having a great time. We wonder what William offered Kate that Richard didn't, which made her eventually go for the Prince. Oh well, we are sure Branson managed.
You Can't Go Wrong With Floral, or Can You?
This is a photo of Waity Katy before the days of glamour, grace, and jewels. We love what she has on. It's modest, feminine, and floral. You can never go wrong with floral, but what's with the side fringe? This photo was taken in 2006, five years after she met William. By that time, she should have known that the camera was watching and the paparazzi were following.
We can excuse her as she wasn't aware that she was going to be the Queen of England one day, which would then result in all magazine editors going down memory lane looking for embarrassing photos like this.
Quick, William, Hide Me From Merkel
The former Chancellor of Germany and ex-leader of the Democratic Union, Angela Merkel, can be quite an intimidating figure, which not everyone can handle. She’s a very stoic and loud woman, which might explain why Kate was hiding behind William here. The royal couple and the German leader were meeting on some official political business.
But while Prince William and Merkel handled the meeting, Kate preferred to stay in her husband's shadow. Hopefully, Kate eventually got her act together and gave the retired German leader a proper greeting. She really doesn’t look like she wanted to be there at all.
Look What You’ve Done
Poor Prince George has that guilty face we all shared when we did something wrong as kids. It appears that Kate is busy giving a moral lesson here while her daughter, Princess Charlotte, is having all the fun.
We love how Kate makes sure to go down to George’s height in order to talk with the boy. Children need adults to talk to them eye to eye, and we’re sure little Prince George appreciated whatever it was his mother had to say. Can anyone say “best mom ever”? We also love how absolutely mesmerized Princess Charlotte seems to be with those balloons!
Mona - Kate - Lisa
The problem with faking a smile is that, under certain circumstances, it might end up looking like a condescending smirk. The Princess is revealing her teeth a bit, too, as she probably saw something she really didn’t like.
We call this pose the ‘Mona - Kate - Lisa’ because just like the famous painting, no one can tell what Kate is really feeling here. Is that a smile? If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that Kate’s body language is also very closed. She’s guarding her bag close to her body, and her shoulders are rounded and slumped in. We wonder what she saw…
You Did What?!
This is the exact face we make when our partner comes home from work to tell us they have just purchased a timeshare on some far-off, god-forsaken island in the middle of nowhere. And no, it’s not flattering on any of us.
"You did what?!" is our chosen phrase of disbelief and shock, but truthfully, we don’t know what Kate was saying, so we can only speculate. Perhaps she was asked a really uncomfortable question, and she was busy thinking of a way to answer without forgetting her manners. Clearly, whoever said a picture is worth a thousand words was speaking of this one.
It’s a Bit Hard to Explain
Just like we’ve seen, the lovable Princess uses a lot of body language in order to express herself properly. All signs show that she is most probably speaking to her friend about the best burger she’s ever tasted.
Sometimes, it’s a bit hard to find the right words, and Kate certainly seems to be struggling. We’re sure she eventually managed to get her point across, though, leaving just this photo behind to be figured out. In this picture, Kate’s neck is twisting and stretching at all the wrong angles. We’re sure she wasn’t too pleased with the photographer.
The First of Many
William sure loves to make Kate laugh. If there’s one thing you should make sure you have as a semi-bald guy, it’s a great sense of humor. Of course, it also helps if you’re the son of the King of England.
This is just one of many pictures of Kate laughing hysterically at one of William’s jokes. The guy’s a serious comedian and can always be seen making his loving wife laugh. Although this is certainly not her best photo, there is still something regal and beautiful about Kate, with her neck arched back like that.
Keep Taking Pictures
It seems that there are more phones than actual faces in this one. Every single one of the girls on the right and the guy behind them (and basically anyone in the frame) are all busy snapping those sweet Instagram stories to later be tagged as #Katewalk.
Kate looks like she’s giving one of her half-smiles again, probably in an attempt to maintain a certain level of coolness, decorum, and class. We can’t imagine being filmed and shouted at by so many people at once, though, so thumbs up to her on keeping it together and strutting her stuff in those gorgeous shoes.
Day Birger et Mikkelsen Coat
Kate Middleton is a fashion icon; however, she has been known to wear the same outfit over and over again. Kate first premiered this lovely gold number at the wedding of Laura Parker Bowles and Harry Lopes. Bowles is the daughter of Prince William’s stepmother, Camilla Parker Bowles, so Kate surely wanted to look her best. The Day Birger et Mikkelsen coat features delicate embroidery across the entire jacket. On this occasion, Kate paired the coat with a small feather hat and a gold clutch. Five years later, the stunning Day Birger et Mikkelsen jacket made another appearance.
In May 2011, Kate wore the coat to another wedding, this time the nuptials of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall. Rather than the feather hat of 2006, however, Kate chose a stunning white hat designed by milliner Gina Foster. The swooping design contributed to the hat’s moniker of the “potato chip hat.” It featured a broad brim sitting sideways on Kate’s head with a gold flower peeking out of the left side.
Pink Mulberry Coat
In December 2014, Kate first premiered her bright pink Mulberry coat. The jacket featured a double row of black buttons down the front that stood out against the vibrant color. Kate wore the jacket while visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. At the time, she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte. The coat’s silhouette effectively hid her growing baby bump. On this occasion, she paired the jacket with black gloves, a black clutch, and a ponytail.
A short while later, Kate wore the pink Mulberry jacket again, this time to the Stephen Lawrence Centre. She ditched the black gloves and wore her hair down in flowing waves around her face. Again, she paired the look with a black clutch. During this outing, Kate’s baby bump was much more noticeable. You could easily see her belly pressing against the buttons of the jacket. Considering Charlotte’s birth was just two months away, her expanded figure wasn’t a surprise.
M Missoni Tweed Coat
In March 2012, Kate donned a blue M Missoni tweed coat for the first time. The long jacket was a perfect choice for the opening of a charity shop in Norfolk, England. On this occasion, Kate chose to accessorize the blue coat with yellow flowers pinned to her chest. The flowers stood out beautifully against the blue of the coat. She didn’t have any accessories that day besides her ring and wore her hair down in a simple style.
In March 2014, Kate attended the wedding of Lucy Meade and Charlie Budgett alongside Prince William. For the occasion, she again donned the M Missoni tweed coat. This time, however, Kate’s outfit looked utterly different. Rather than the simple style of March 2012, Kate chose to make the outfit wedding-worthy. She wore her hair up in half-up-half-down style and placed a lovely black hat with a bow on her head. She also carried a black clutch and no longer sported the yellow flowers of the 2012 look.
Magenta Oscar de la Renta Skirt Suit
Kate sported this stunning magenta number for the first time at the Guild of Health Writers Conference in February 2017. The skirt suit features a fitted top with a row of black buttons paired with a flared skirt. Kate paired the vibrant outfit with a black clutch and watch. She also wore her hair down, contributing to the overall casual look of the outfit.
Kate wore the Oscar de la Renta skirt suit again for a visit to the Royal Opera House in January 2019. Kate used the trip to learn about the opera house’s use of textiles and chatted with the dancers about their various costume designs. Again, Kate wore her hair down in pure waves for the appearance. She also paired the skirt suit with black tights and a small black bag at her side. The overall effect was a casual but classy outfit.
Red Ami Coat
While visiting the UNICEF center in Copenhagen, Denmark, Kate donned a gorgeous red Ami coat. Rather than wearing the belt that goes with the long jacket, Kate decided to finish off the ensemble with a chunky Bessie belt from Reis. Kate wore her hair down for this event and carried a black clutch.
A full year later, Kate pulled the red Ami coat out of her closet once again. This time, she stuck with the matching belt, a much more subtle addition than the bright Bessie belt. She still wore her hair down but carried a gorgeous red clutch rather than the black accessory of 2011. Kate wore the coat while visiting the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Considering Christmas was just around the corner, the bright red jacket was a seasonally appropriate choice.
Polka-Dot Topshop Dress
Not all of Kate’s clothes are from the top designers in the world. In April 2013, she stepped out in this polka-dot dress from Topshop. She wore the stylish number for the official opening of Warner Bros. Studios. Thankfully, the outfit gave Kate enough room to move, leaving her able to duel with wands in honor of Harry Potter. On this occasion, Kate paired the polka-dot dress with a black blazer and black clutch. She wore her hair down, quickly succumbing to the casual environment of the day.
Kate pulled out the Topshop dress again just a month after she visited Warner Bros. Studios for the wedding of Rosie Ruck Keene and William van Cutsem. The wedding ceremony took place at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin near Oxford, England. While Kate still wore the black blazer and carried a black clutch, she dressed up the outfit with an extravagant hat. The black and white number sported feathers in the back, lending a more formal look to the casual dress.
White-and-Gold Alexander McQueen Gown
Kate decided to go all-out while attending a state dinner in Malaysia. She stuck to a beautiful, formal look by wearing a white-and-gold Alexander McQueen gown. The gown featured sheer sleeves and gold embroidery across the entire dress. Kate pulled her hair back into a wavy half-up, half-down style. She also accessorized with a gold clutch, gold bracelet, and gold earrings.
Considering the formal look of the gown, it comes as no surprise that Kate chose to wear it again. This time, she donned the white-and-gold number for the 73rd annual BAFTAs. To celebrate the British Academy Film Awards, Kate pulled her hair back into a sweeping updo. She also wore a necklace that seemed to match the pattern of her dress. She finished off the outfit with dangly earrings.
Dolce & Gabbana Skirt Suit
The Dolce & Gabbana skirt suit is a favorite of the Princess. She has worn it many times throughout the years. Just in 2019, Kate donned the skirt suit for a trip to a mental health conference. On this occasion, Kate paired the skirt with black tights and low black heels. She left her hair down around her face and carried a black clutch.
Just a year after that appearance, Kate donned the outfit once again. This time, she visited the Evelina Children's Hospital in London, sporting a chic look. While she again wore tights and small black heels with the skirt suit, Kate decided to change her hair. Rather than wearing it down, she pulled it back in a half-up-half-down style that showed off her sparkling earrings. She also left the clutch at home.