Catherine, Princess of Wales

NAME Catherine, Princess of Wales (née Catherine Elizabeth Middleton)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Catherine is renowned for being the wife of Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and for her significant role in the British royal family as a future queen consort. She is also celebrated for her philanthropic work, particularly in mental health, early childhood development, and the arts.

BIRTH Catherine was born on January 9, 1982, in Reading, Berkshire, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Catherine is the eldest daughter of Michael and Carole Middleton. Her father was a flight dispatcher, and her mother worked as an airline stewardess before they founded a successful party supply business, Party Pieces, which made them self-made millionaires. She has two younger siblings, Pippa and James. 

Catherine's nickname at school was 'Squeak' because her sister was called 'Pip.'

Notably, Catherine is related to George Washington and General George S. Patton, sharing common ancestry with them.

CHILDHOOD Catherine spent part of her early childhood in Amman, Jordan, due to her father's work.  Upon returning to the UK, she grew up in the village of Bucklebury, Berkshire and attended St. Andrew's School, where she set a high-jump record of 1.50 meters. She was also a brownie with the 1st St Andrews pack in Pangbourne, Berkshire.

EDUCATION Catherine later attended Downe House School in Berkshire before transferring to Marlborough College, where she excelled in sports and performing arts. She later attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she earned a degree in the history of art and met her future husband, Prince William.

CAREER RECORD  Before marrying Prince William, Catherine worked as an assistant accessories buyer for the fashion chain Jigsaw. She also briefly worked for the party planning company Party Pieces, a business started by her parents.

Her current role involves extensive charitable work and royal duties, focusing on issues like mental health and early childhood education.

APPEARANCE Catherine is known for her statuesque height, long, brown hair and an elegant appearance. 

Catherine in 2023 By Ian Jones - Buckingham Palace reception,

FASHION Catherine's fashion sense is admired globally. She often opts for a mix of high street and designer pieces and is known for her impeccable style, particularly her wedding dress, which featured a 2.7-meter train and intricate lacework. She has been credited with popularizing the "Kate effect," where her fashion choices lead to increased sales for the brands she wears.

CHARACTER Catherine is known for her poise, kindness, and dedication to her family and charitable causes. She is often described as calm, reliable, and deeply committed to her royal duties.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Catherine has a warm and approachable sense of humor, often seen sharing light-hearted moments with Prince William and engaging with people during royal engagements.

RELATIONSHIPS When Kate Middleton was just a little girl, she found herself cast in a play that was likely the first glimmer of what some might call destiny. In this early theatrical endeavor, she portrayed a young lady being wooed by a dashing, blond prince named—quite coincidentally—William. 

Fast forward a few years, and Kate found herself at the University of St. Andrews, where life, with its knack for irony, would introduce her to another William. This one was not just any William, but Prince William of Wales. Their first encounter took place when Kate, with the casual confidence only a university student could muster, sashayed down the runway in a see-through dress at a charity fashion show in 2002. The dress, which left just enough to the imagination to spark the prince’s interest, would later be auctioned off in 2011 for a sum just north of $120,000—a tidy sum for something that was, in essence, a mere wisp of fabric.

By October 2010, the pair had progressed from fashion show flirtations to a more serious matter: engagement. This significant step in their relationship took place in the suitably dramatic setting of a remote hut in Kenya, where William, perhaps buoyed by the success of completing his RAF helicopter search and rescue course, decided it was time to propose. The ring he presented wasn’t just any ring, mind you; it had once belonged to Prince Harry. The ever-generous Harry had kept it safe following their mother Diana’s tragic death, but handed it over when he learned of his brother’s intentions, proving once again that royalty comes with its own unique set of family heirlooms and protocols.

Their first official engagement as a couple was in the picturesque Anglesey, Wales, where they dedicated a new lifeboat—a fitting symbol, perhaps, for the journey they were about to embark on together. That journey took a particularly grand step on April 29, 2011, when they were married in Westminster Abbey. Kate’s wedding dress, which featured a 2.7-meter train and individual lace flowers hand-embroidered with the kind of meticulousness that only the British can truly appreciate, became an instant fashion sensation. In a nod to tradition, Kate had a blue ribbon sewn into the interior of her dress, fulfilling the “something blue” requirement with understated elegance. 

With the exchange of vows, Kate became the Duchess of Cambridge, a title she held until September 9, 2022, when her father-in-law, Charles, ascended to the throne and William was created Prince of Wales, making Kate the Princess of Wales—a title not without its own considerable history and expectations. Interestingly, Kate and William are distantly related, being 12th cousins once removed—a detail that might not make the headlines but adds a curious genealogical twist to their union.

Together, they have three children: Prince George, born on July 22, 2013, Princess Charlotte, who arrived on May 2, 2015, and Prince Louis, who made his debut on April 23, 2018. 

MONEY AND FAME As a member of the British royal family, Catherine enjoys significant wealth and global fame. Despite this, she is known for her down-to-earth nature and commitment to using her position for philanthropic efforts.

FOOD AND DRINK Catherine enjoys cooking and is often seen preparing meals for her family. She is known to make strawberry jam and plum preserves. Catherine has a particular fondness for curry and Pina Coladas.

MUSIC AND ARTS Catherine has a strong appreciation for the arts, having studied art history. She often supports arts and cultural events and is a patron of several arts organizations.

Catherine plays the piano and  has shown her musical talent on a few public occasions. She first publicly showcased her piano skills during a special Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in December 2021, where she accompanied singer Tom Walker on the piano for a performance of his song "For Those Who Can't Be Here." This was a surprise to many and highlighted her musical abilities.

LITERATURE Catherine is a reader and is often seen with books. She has expressed an interest in historical fiction and biographies.

NATURE Catherine enjoys outdoor activities and is frequently involved in initiatives related to nature and the environment. She enjoys hiking and spending time in natural settings.

PETS Catherine has a family dog named Lupo, a cocker spaniel, who has been a beloved part of the family.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Catherine is an avid sportswoman, enjoying tennis, swimming, sailing, and hockey. She also has a passion for photography, often capturing and sharing personal family moments.

SCIENCE AND MATHS  While Catherine’s primary focus has been in the arts, her involvement in early childhood development initiatives shows her interest in the scientific aspects of child psychology and education.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Catherine’s philanthropic work reflects a belief in the importance of mental health, early education, and the well-being of children, indicating a strong commitment to values of compassion and service.

While not publicly discussing her religious views in detail, Catherine is known to be a practicing Christian. She has hosted a Christmas carol concert called Together At Christmas annually at Westminster Abbey since December 2021 with the theme varying each year.

POLITICS As a member of the British royal family, Catherine remains politically neutral, as required by royal protocol.

SCANDAL Catherine has largely avoided scandal, maintaining a reputation as a reliable and dignified member of the royal family.

MILITARY RECORD Catherine is involved in supporting military families and honoring veterans through various royal engagements.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Catherine maintains a high level of physical fitness, enjoying regular exercise and sports. In January 2024, she underwent planned abdominal surgery, and later announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy since February 2024.

HOMES Catherine and her family reside at Kensington Palace in London and have a country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.

TRAVEL Catherine has traveled extensively both for royal duties and personal vacations. She has visited countries across the globe, often representing the British royal family abroad.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Catherine is a frequent subject of media coverage, from her fashion choices to her philanthropic work. She has also been portrayed in various films and documentaries about the royal family.

ACHIEVEMENTS Catherine’s achievements include her significant charitable work, particularly in mental health and early childhood development, and her influence as a fashion icon. She is also the first royal wife to hold a university degree.

Sources Yahoo.com, OK Magazine, Etonline.com