Kate Middleton Biography
This is how a regular young lady from a regular family ended up being destined to be the future queen of England.
Kate Middleton, formerly known as the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, is the wife of Prince William of Wales. With William set to become king, Kate will too step up and become the queen of England. While it may seem like forever ago that we welcomed the Princess into our lives thanks to the media swirling about her, The Things is honored to now give you the story of Catherine Middleton.
Kate Middleton Before She Was Royal
Kate, the oldest of three siblings, was born in 1982 in Reading, England. Even though her dad's side of the family came from a working-class background, they hit the jackpot by starting a successful party supply company. Thanks to their hard work, Kate got to go to fancy schools like Marlborough College.
At the University of St. Andrews, where she studied art history, Kate struck up a friendship with one of her classmates, Prince William. Fast forward to 2003, and they started dating, setting the stage for their epic romance.
Even though they tried to keep things low-key, the British press caught on to Kate tagging along with the royal family on a ski trip, and suddenly, she was all over the tabloids. Dealing with all of the sudden attention was no walk in the park.
They had to deal with paparazzi constantly bugging them, and there was even a time in 2007 when they decided to break up for a bit.
But despite the ups and downs, their love stood the test of time. Kate and William tied the knot in 2011 in a huge ceremony at Westminster Abbey that everyone was waiting for. Three billion people tuned in to watch it around the world; it was kind of a big deal.
Kate Middleton Becomes Royalty
Kate Middleton has consistently captivated the world with her undeniable suitability for royalty. Despite her regal status, Kate remains rooted in her values, championing various causes, particularly those related to sports, the arts, and, notably, children's mental health. Alongside her husband, Prince William, she has initiated numerous foundations and taken on significant roles in charitable organizations.
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Kate Middleton's influence extends into fashion. Drawing from her background and evolving tastes, she has become a fashion icon in her own right, particularly favoring the designs of Alexander McQueen.
Observers have noted her nods to the Queen's iconic style, particularly in her vibrant color choices. Additionally, Kate has been spotted wearing stunning pieces of jewelry loaned to her by the Queen, including the breathtaking Cartier Halo Tiara worn on her wedding day.
With recent shifts in the royal family dynamics, including Harry and Meghan stepping back from their duties, Kate and William have gracefully assumed more responsibilities. Despite a period where Kate didn't have the chance to meet the Queen during her courtship with William, her subsequent acceptance by Her Majesty reflected her commendable qualities and suitability for her royal role.
The Royal Children
Despite being royals, Prince William and Kate Middleton want their kids to have as normal a childhood as possible.
Prince George, their oldest son, was born in 2013, marking the start of their family's journey. They soon welcomed Princess Charlotte, their daughter, and Prince Louis, their youngest son, who was born in 2018.
Even though the royal children have already made appearances in the public eye, William and Kate are committed to shielding them from excessive attention. Their priority lies in nurturing their children with essential values and fostering their growth as well-rounded individuals within their community.
The Royal Finances
William and Kate primarily derive their income from the Duchy of Cornwall, a historic estate established in 1337 to financially support the heir to the throne, as reported by CNN.
In 2018, the Duchy of Cornwall provided Charles and Camilla with approximately $28 million, a sum similar to what William and Kate are expected to receive as they now prepare for the roles of a lifetime.
Additionally, William and Kate's income includes funds from the Sovereign Grant, an annual taxpayer contribution allocated to the British royal family.
As per Forbes, the British royal family possesses an impressive real estate portfolio valued at nearly $28 billion as of 2021. This extensive wealth consists of various assets, which include properties that are considered non-negotiable and cannot be sold under any circumstances.
| Property | Worth |
|---|---|
| The Crown Estate of Scotland | $592 million |
| Kensington Palace | $630 million |
| The Duchy of Lancaster | $748 million |
| The Duchy of Cornwall | $1.3 billion |
| Buckingham Palace | $4.9 billion |
| The Crown Estate | $19.5 billion |
Kate Middleton's Health Crisis
Kate, the beloved Princess of Wales, bravely shared in a heartfelt video message released on Friday, March 22, 2024, that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. This news follows just two months after she underwent what was described as "major" abdominal surgery.
Details about the specific type of cancer have not been disclosed. As per Kensington Palace, Kate began a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February.
The announcement has elicited an overwhelming wave of support and concern from well-wishers. It's a particularly challenging time for Kate and her family, as her father-in-law, King Charles III, is also undergoing treatment for cancer.
