A thoroughly modern royal

Photo credit: Paolo Roversi

As Catherine Elizabeth Middleton – AKA the Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus, Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Rothesay and one day likely Queen Consort – turns 41 on 9th January, we look at how she has evolved. Kate Middleton became known as the girl who was dating the nation’s most eligible bachelor: her future husband and future king, Prince William. They met as students in 2001 during their first year at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and went on to graduate in 2005.

Styling a future

Noticeable changes in Kate’s appearance started taking place, presumably in order to fit in with the royal family. Her clothing almost began to reflect what people saw in her character. It was Kate starting to behave in ways that would be seen as more appropriate for a future Queen. William proposed to Kate in October 2010 while the couple holidayed in Kenya.

Following in Diana’s footsteps

Fast forward to 2022. In his first speech as King Charles III last September, Charles confirmed he was handing his previous title of Prince of Wales to Prince William, making Kate the new Princess of Wales. Like the late Princess of Wales before her, Kate too has clearly won the hearts of the nation with her natural human approach. She is also following in Diana’s fashion-forward footsteps. While with her own unique sense of style, she also appears to take outfit inspiration from her mother-in-law. From her formal outfits for official engagements to glamorous evening wear, Kate often pays more than a passing nod to the women she succeeded as a royal fashion icon.

In front of and behind the camera

To mark her milestone fortieth last year, Kate posed for a set of official portraits in which she looked every inch the high-fashion model. Taken by acclaimed photographer Paolo Roversi, they were a far cry from the informal shots taken by keen amateur photographer Kate of George, Charlotte and Louis that have graced the front pages of newspapers and magazines across the globe. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Family first

Back in 2011, the newlyweds decided to postpone their honeymoon so that Prince William could return to his duties with the Search and Rescue Squadron at RAF Anglesey Valley. Now titled the Prince and Princess of Wales, the country has a special place in the couple’s hearts – rooted in their first home where they lived when Prince George was born and reflected in their decision to take George and Charlotte to Cardiff during the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Like other working parents, Kate has admitted to suffering mum guilt, saying: “I’m such a hands-on mum and whatever you’re doing you want to make sure you’re doing the utmost best job you can for your children.” Recalling her own childhood, she added: “I had a very happy childhood. I think the things that really resonate with me most are the simple things and I see that now with my own children. Life is so busy, so distracting and sometimes the simple things like watching a fire on a really rainy day provides such enjoyment. I remember that from my childhood – doing simple things, going for a walk together – and that’s what I try and do with my children because it strips away all the complications, all the pressures as a parent.”