Catherine, Princess of Wales, formerly known as Kate Middleton, is a prominent member of the British royal family.
Born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on January 9, 1982, in Reading, England, she grew up in a close-knit family in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
Kate attended prestigious schools, including Marlborough College, and later earned a degree in art history from the University of St Andrews, where she met her future husband, Prince William.
The couple married in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, captivating global audiences.
As the wife of the heir apparent to the British throne, Kate has become a symbol of modern royalty, balancing public duties with family life.
She is the mother of three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Siblings
Kate comes from a supportive family unit, being the eldest of three children born to Michael and Carole Middleton.
Her parents, who married in 1980, built a successful party supplies business called Party Pieces, which provided a comfortable upbringing for the family.
Kate’s younger sister, Philippa “Pippa” Charlotte Matthews, was born on September 6, 1983.
Pippa gained international attention as the maid of honor at Kate’s royal wedding, where her form-fitting dress made headlines.
She pursued a career in public relations and event management after graduating from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in English literature.
In 2017, Pippa married hedge fund manager James Matthews, and the couple has three children: Arthur, Grace, and Rose.
Pippa has authored books on entertaining and fitness, and she remains involved in charitable activities, particularly those related to health and wellness.
The youngest sibling, James William Middleton, was born on April 15, 1987.
James has been open about his struggles with depression, using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness.
After attending Marlborough College like his sisters, he briefly studied at the University of Edinburgh before launching several businesses.
His ventures include a personalized cake-making company and Boomf, which specializes in customized marshmallows and greeting cards.
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In recent years, James has focused on his passion for dogs, founding Ella & Co, a brand offering premium dog food.
He married French financial analyst Alizée Thevenet in 2021, and they welcomed their first child, a son named Inigo, in 2023.
Career
Catherine’s pre-royal career blended family business involvement, fashion retail, and early charity work, culminating in full-time royal duties after marrying Prince William in 2011.
She grew up supporting her parents’ Party Pieces, a successful mail-order party supplies company founded in 1987.
As a child, she modeled for their catalog; later, she handled catalog design, marketing, photography, and launched a junior brand, continuing until 2011.
After graduating from the University of St Andrews in 2005, she faced job constraints due to media scrutiny and royal flexibility needs.
In 2006, she joined Jigsaw, a British fashion chain, as a part-time accessories buyer and assistant, managing errands and shoots for 12 months.
Post-2011 wedding, Catherine became Duchess of Cambridge, then Princess of Wales in 2022.
Her “full-time job” involves official duties: overseas tours, patronages like East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (first speech 2012), 2012 Olympics ambassadorship, RAF Air Cadets, and mental health initiatives.
She champions early childhood development through her Shapes initiative and resumed duties after cancer treatment in 2024, entering remission by January 2025.
Accolades
As Catherine, Princess of Wales, she holds several prestigious titles and honors bestowed by the British royal family.
In 2019, she was appointed a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) by Queen Elizabeth II, acknowledging her service to the sovereign.
In 2022, on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, Kate was made a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH), a rare distinction limited to 65 members at any time.
Additionally, in 2024, King Charles III granted her the title of Royal Companion of the Order of the Garter, marking a historic first for a spouse of the heir apparent in modern times.
Beyond formal honors, Kate has been celebrated in the fashion world.
In 2025, British Vogue named her an “Eternal Influencer” in its inaugural best-dressed list, placing her alongside style icons like Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller for her timeless elegance and impact on global trends.
She has also earned recognition for her philanthropic efforts, including the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, which she achieved during her youth, reflecting her commitment to personal development and community service.
Kate serves as patron to over 20 organizations, including SportsAid, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and the Lawn Tennis Association, where her involvement has boosted participation in sports among young people.
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