Catherine, Princess of Wales

Biography

Catherine, Princess of Wales (born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on 9 January 1982) is a senior member of the British Royal Family and the wife of William, Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the British throne.

Catherine was born in Reading, Berkshire, England, the eldest child of Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton. She grew up with her younger siblings, Philippa “Pippa” Middleton and James Middleton. Before her marriage into the Royal Family, the Middleton family became successful through Party Pieces, a party-supply business established by her mother.

Catherine attended Marlborough College before enrolling at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She studied history of art and met Prince William while they were students there. Their friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship, attracting considerable public and media attention.

Prince William and Catherine announced their engagement in November 2010. William proposed with the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that had belonged to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The couple married at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011. Upon their marriage, Queen Elizabeth II created William Duke of Cambridge, making Catherine Duchess of Cambridge. Their wedding was watched by audiences around the world and became one of the most prominent royal events of the early 21st century.

William and Catherine have three children: Prince George of Wales, born in 2013; Princess Charlotte of Wales, born in 2015; and Prince Louis of Wales, born in 2018. Prince George is second in line to the British throne after his father.

As a working member of the Royal Family, Catherine has undertaken official engagements in the United Kingdom and overseas. Much of her charitable work has concentrated on early childhood development, mental health, families, addiction, and the emotional and social development of young children.

She has placed particular emphasis on the importance of a child's first years of life. In 2021, Catherine established The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, intended to increase awareness of how experiences during early childhood can influence individuals and society throughout life.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 and the accession of King Charles III, William became Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge and Catherine became Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. The following day, King Charles III named William Prince of Wales, and Catherine consequently became Princess of Wales.

The title has particular historical and emotional significance because Catherine's late mother-in-law, Diana, was previously Princess of Wales. Catherine has nevertheless developed her own approach to the position, combining traditional royal duties with long-term projects focusing particularly on children and families.

Today, Catherine, Princess of Wales, is one of the most prominent members of the British Royal Family. As the wife of the heir apparent and mother of the next generation in the direct line of succession, she is expected to eventually become Queen consort when Prince William becomes king.