Full Title: Her Royal Highness Princess William of Wales, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Lady Carrickfergus, Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
Known as: HRH Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Name at birth: Miss Catherine Elizabeth Middleton
Date of birth: 09/01/1982
Did you know?... The Duchess is allergic to horses!
The Duchess of Cambridge has been a member of the royal family since 29th April 2011 when she married Prince William. The couple met at The University of St Andrews, in Scotland, where they were both studying. Initially they were both on the same course, History of Art, but the Prince later switched courses to Geography. If and when the Duchess becomes Queen Consort, she will be the first Queen to hold a university degree. The couple began dating in 2003. After a year staying in Halls of Residence they spent the remaining 3 years of their time at university living together with other friends in shared houses. They split briefly in 2007, before getting back together. From this time, Catherine was seen at various public events with the Prince, such as society and family weddings, and the Order of the Garter Procession in 2008 when the Prince was made a Knight. In 2010 the couple moved to the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, to a farmhouse, near to the Prince’s base for his work as an RAF Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot. Later that year they became engaged and fulfilled their first official function together, an event for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and a couple of other official functions and events before their wedding.
The Duchess grew up in Berkshire. Her father Michael Middleton is from a middle class background, and was an airplane pilot. Her mother, Carole, was a flight attendant. However, by the time the Duchess met her future husband, the Middleton’s had a successful business of their own, Party Pieces. The Duchess, as well as her siblings Pippa and James, attended private and later boarding school. Catherine ended up moving schools at one point due to bullying. The Middleton's are a close-knit family. I for one think that this stable family background is one reason behind the Duchess’s success. She is secure in her identity and family, and does not seek out public or press approval for her validation, identity and security in life.
The Duchess worked for some time for her family’s business after leaving university, and also worked as an accessories buyer for Jigsaw. Her seeming struggle to find the right job resulted in some negative press, with reports terming her, ‘Waity Katie,’ suggesting she did not settle because she was just waiting for the Prince to marry her.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge now have three children, Prince George born in 2013, Princess Charlotte born in 2015, and Prince Louis born in 2018. The family lives in an apartment in Kensington Palace, where they moved soon after the birth of Prince George and as they embarked as full-time working royals, after the Duke gave up his job as a Search and Rescue Pilot. They also have a home on the Sandringham estate, Anmer Hall. They resided at Anmer for a longer period of time when the Duke had a stint as an Air Ambulance helicopter pilot. The Duchess is a hands on mother, and has a close relationship with her children. She has also cultivated strong relationships with other members of the royal family. But, she has also continued to be close to her own family, keeping her down to earth and stable.
The Duchess’s charity work has grown with time. She has several patronages. She focuses especially on family, the early years, and mental health (an area that the Duke and his brother Prince Harry have also worked on). The Duchess is able to connect well with people of all levels. She also loves the outdoors, and isn’t afraid to get involved, taking part in gardening, and scouts activities on various engagements. This hands on attitude can be seen as she gets involved in sports, art and painting, cooking, and other activities as part of her work. The Duchess is also equally at home and relaxed on official diplomatic trips overseas, and at big state banquets, garden parties, and evening diplomatic as well as charity events. Catherine takes it all in her stride, speaking and acting with an appropriate level of enthusiasm and personal interest.
The Duchess has embraced the social side of royal life, such as Royal Ascot and Christmas at Sandringham, but has found ways to invite and include her own family too. The Duchess is now adept at making speeches and undertaking solo engagements and trips abroad to represent the Queen.
I think the Duchess is a success because she cheerfully and eagerly puts others first. Whether that is following royal protocol, dressing diplomatically, talking to people from all walks of life, or being prepared to learn. The Duchess can transition across the spectrum. An example is in her clothing. She wears both stunning evening gowns from the top designers, wears designers from the countries she visits to pay homage to them, and wears high street brands so that the everyday women who she knows will try to emulate her, can afford to do so, and so that she connects with everyday people.
I look forward to seeing the Duchess continue to be a blessing and asset to charities, the royal family, country and commonwealth.