Catherine, Princess of Wales — widely known simply as Kate — was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on January 9, 1982, in Reading, Berkshire, England. She grew up in the village of Bucklebury, in a close-knit, upper-middle-class family, as the eldest of three children born to Michael and Carole Middleton, who built a successful family business, Party Pieces, supplying party goods.
A candid moment captured before she became Princess of Wales — smart-casual style at its best.
Unlike many who marry into the British royal family, Kate came from a non-aristocratic background, making her rise to becoming Princess of Wales a notably modern chapter in royal history.
How Prince William and Kate Middleton Met
Prince William and Catherine “Kate” Middleton first met in 2001 as students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where both were enrolled — William studying art history before switching to geography, and Kate studying art history.
William and Kate photographed on campus at the University of St Andrews, during their student years.
Their friendship developed over the course of their studies, and the two reportedly grew closer during their university years, including a widely reported moment when Kate modeled in a charity fashion show that drew William’s attention. Their relationship became public knowledge among friends and press by 2003–2004, though the couple kept much of their private life away from public scrutiny during their years together at university and afterward.
The relationship continued to develop over several years following graduation in 2005, including a widely reported brief separation in 2007. The couple’s engagement was announced in November 2010, following a proposal William made during a private holiday in Kenya. Notably, the engagement ring William gave Kate was the same sapphire and diamond ring that had belonged to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
A ring that carries a legacy: the same 12-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring, first worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales — a symbol passed from one generation to the next.
The Royal Wedding: April 29, 2011
Prince William and Kate Middleton married on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey in London. The ceremony was one of the most-watched events in royal history.
The moment it became official: William places the wedding ring on Kate’s hand during their ceremony at Westminster Abbey, April 29, 2011 — a scene watched by millions around the world.
Attendance and Viewership
- An estimated 1,900 guests attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
- Approximately 1 million people lined the streets of London to watch the procession in person.
- Global television and online viewership estimates varied by source, with widely cited figures ranging from several hundred million to as many as 2 billion people watching worldwide, making it one of the most-watched events in television history.
Kate’s Wedding Dress
Kate’s wedding gown was designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of the British fashion house Alexander McQueen. The designer’s identity was kept a closely guarded secret until Kate stepped out of the car at Westminster Abbey.
Kate steps out in her iconic Sarah Burton–designed gown, April 29, 2011.
Key details of the dress included:
- Made from ivory and white satin gazar, with a fitted, corseted bodice and a full skirt designed to evoke an opening flower.
- Hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace appliqué, featuring rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock motifs — representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, moments after saying ‘I do’ — the ride through London begins.
- The lace work was hand-embroidered by artisans at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace.
- The bodice narrowed at the waist, and the back featured gazar and organza-covered buttons fastened with rouleau loops.
- Kate wore a veil of soft ivory silk tulle, held in place by the Cartier Halo Tiara, lent to her by Queen Elizabeth II. The tiara had originally been made in 1936 and given to the then-Princess Elizabeth by her parents for her 18th birthday.
- Her earrings were designed by Robinson Pelham, a gift from her parents.
- Her shoes were hand-made by Alexander McQueen.
- Her bouquet, designed by florist Shane Connolly, included lily of the valley, sweet William, hyacinth, ivy, and myrtle — flowers chosen for their traditional symbolic meanings of happiness, gallantry, constancy, fidelity, and love.
For the evening reception at Buckingham Palace, Kate changed into a second gown, also designed by Sarah Burton: a strapless white satin gazar dress with a circle skirt and a diamanté-embroidered waist detail.
Evening elegance: William and Kate depart for the wedding reception at Buckingham Palace, Kate wearing her second gown of the day — a strapless satin design by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Titles Following the Wedding
Upon their marriage, William and Kate were given the titles Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by Queen Elizabeth II. Following King Charles III’s accession to the throne in 2022, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship, which began during their university years at St Andrews, culminated in a wedding watched by hundreds of millions to billions of people around the world. Their 2011 ceremony at Westminster Abbey remains one of the most iconic royal weddings in modern history, remembered in particular for Kate’s elegant Alexander McQueen gown and its meticulous craftsmanship.
Happy Reading From Tia
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