Princess Catherine's journey began in an upper-middle-class family on January 9, 1982, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. Baptized at St. Andrew's Bradfield, she is the eldest of Michael and Carole Middleton's three children, with a younger sister, Philippa, and a younger brother, James. The Middleton family has historical ties to British aristocracy, having mingled with the Royal household in the early 20th century.
Catherine's early years included a move from Bradfield to Amman, Jordan, in 1984, where she attended an English-language nursery school. Returning to Berkshire in 1986, she enrolled at St. Andrew's School, later moving to Downhouse School in Bucklebury. Her education continued at Marlborough College in Wiltshire, where she excelled in sports and captained the women's field hockey team.
Before beginning university, Catherine took a gap year to study at the British Institute of Florence and traveled to Chile. She then attended the University of St Andrews, initially studying psychology before focusing on art history. During her time at university, she worked part-time as a waitress and achieved a gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
In 2005, Catherine graduated with honors in art history and began working part-time with Jigsaw, an accessory buyer. Her charitable work included organizing a roller disco fundraiser for pediatric cancer and working with various organizations to support sick children and families.
In 2001, Catherine met Prince William while they were students at St. Andrews. She caught his eye during a charity fashion show in 2002, and their relationship began in 2003. The couple briefly split in 2004 but rekindled their romance. Their relationship faced intense media scrutiny, particularly after their graduation.
William proposed in October 2010 with his mother Diana's engagement ring, and the couple married on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey. Their wedding was a global spectacle, with Sarah Burton designing Catherine's wedding dress. The couple received Anmer Hall as a wedding gift from the Queen and later moved to Kensington Palace.
In 2012, Catherine and William announced their first pregnancy. Their family grew with the births of Prince George in July 2013, Princess Charlotte in May 2015, and Prince Louis in April 2018. Despite the joys, Catherine faced health challenges during her pregnancies.
Catherine's first public appearance with William after their engagement was at a fundraising event in December 2010. Her official duties began in February 2011 with a lifeboat naming ceremony. Over the years, she has undertaken numerous royal engagements, including tours of Canada, the United States, and various Commonwealth countries.
Catherine has made significant contributions through her patronages and charitable work, focusing on children's mental health, sports, and art. She has been recognized for her fashion sense and influence, being listed among Time magazine's 100 most influential people and in the international best-dressed Hall of Fame.
On January 17, 2024, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine had undergone planned abdominal surgery for an undisclosed medical condition, later revealed to be cancer. She has since been receiving chemotherapy and taking a leave from public duties. The Princess's health struggle has profoundly impacted her family, with Prince William and their children adjusting to new routines and providing support. Despite the challenges, Catherine and William remain hopeful and committed to each other and their family.
Catherine's fashion sense has earned her a place on numerous best-dressed lists. Known for her style and the "Kate Middleton effect," she has influenced sales of various products and brands. She was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people and has been recognized for her impact on fashion and public life.
Upon her marriage in April 2011, Catherine became Princess of the United Kingdom, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, and Baroness Carrickfergus. Following Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September 2022, Catherine assumed the titles of Duchess
