Can celebrities really manifest their dream roles through style choices?
Catherine, now known as the Princess of Wales, has emerged as a global icon. Her earlier life as Kate Middleton underwent a massive transformation upon meeting her future husband, Prince William, who is set to become King, making her the future Queen Consort. Cherished by the public as Kate, she now balances roles as a wife, mother, and "Her Royal Highness."
Take a look at the gallery to revisit key moments in the life of Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, a distinguished member of the British royal family, is renowned for her exceptional style and keen fashion sensibilities.
Born on January 9, 1982, in Reading, England, she entered the world as Catherine Elizabeth Middleton.
Kate Middleton, alongside her sister Pippa and father Michael, spent time in Jerash, Jordan. From 1984 to 1986, the Middleton family resided in Amman due to Michael Middleton's employment with British Airways.
Kate's upbringing took place in the serene village of Chapel Row located in Berkshire. At the tender age of four, she commenced her education at St. Andrew's School. As time progressed, she transitioned into a part-week boarding arrangement at the same institution. She's pictured front row, center, with classmates.
During her adolescent years, she pursued her studies at Downe House School and experienced life as a boarder at Marlborough College in Wiltshire. She's pictured front row, left, with her hockey team.
In 2005, Kate successfully completed her studies and earned her degree from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. It was within this academic setting that she initially crossed paths with Prince William in 2001.
Both of them were residents of St Salvator's Hall during their time there. Evidently, Kate captured William's attention during a charitable fashion show hosted by the university. Subsequently, their romantic journey started in 2003 when they began dating.
In April 2007, Kate and William went through a period of separation. Press speculation was rife as to the reasons behind the breakup.
Reconciling their relationship, Prince William and Kate Middleton rekindled their bond and took a significant step by getting engaged in 2010. This momentous occasion transpired during a journey to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.
The engagement ring, an exquisite Ceylon sapphire set in white gold, held special significance as it had originally adorned the finger of Princess Diana, William's late mother.
The couple married in Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.
On that day, Catherine assumed her first title: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.
The number of people who tuned in for the wedding was estimated to be around 300 million, with a remarkable 26 million people within the United Kingdom alone watching the event live.
Prince William and Catherine stood poised for an official photograph, flanked by their bridesmaids and pageboys, within the regal confines of Buckingham Palace.
An almost identical version of Kate Middleton's wedding dress, a white lace floor-length gown designed by Alexander McQueen, was made available at H&M. This was the first of many trends inspired by her style.
A mere fortnight after their wedding, Catherine and William had the honor of meeting the Obamas at Buckingham Palace. This occasion held significant importance as it marked Catherine's inaugural official engagement as a duchess.
Having been formally introduced to public duties, Catherine took a significant step into her role by participating in her inaugural solo event in October 2011. This engagement involved her support for the charity In Kind Direct.
Other "firsts" followed, including her first solo military engagement and her first speaking engagement.
In September 2012, the then Duke and Duchess embarked on a tour of Singapore, Malaysia, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
In December 2012, it was officially revealed that Kate was expecting her first child. Subsequently, in July 2013, she joyfully welcomed the birth of her son, Prince George.
In April 2014, the couple along with their son embarked on a notable two-week tour to Australia and New Zealand. This journey marked Prince George's significant public debut since his christening a year prior.
As far back as 2006, Kate Middleton was consistently gracing various "best dressed" compilations. Renowned for her impeccable fashion sense, she earned a spot on Tatler's 2018 roster of Britain's best-dressed individuals.
Kate often showcases attire from emerging designers, but she has also been spotted donning dresses by Catherine Walker, the same designer responsible for many of Princess Diana's cherished evening gowns and day ensembles.
Regarded by numerous young adults from foreign countries as the prime embodiment of UK culture, the Duchess is attributed with the "Kate Middleton effect," which significantly boosts sales of specific fashion items.
Kate has a breezy girl-next-door charm that shines through her status and style.
On May 2, 2015, Kate Middleton gave birth to her second child. The couple and their newborn daughter are seen here at St Mary's Hospital, London.
The young princess's complete name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, an homage to her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and her grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales.
Kate Middleton has extended her royal patronage to numerous causes, with a predominant focus on issues concerning young children, addiction, and the arts within her charitable endeavors.
In 2018, it was reported that locks of Kate Middleton's hair were graciously donated to the Little Princess Trust, an organization dedicated to creating wigs for children who have been diagnosed with cancer.
As the patron of The Art Room, Kate, who pursued the study of art history at university, plays a pivotal role in encouraging children to channel their self-expression through the medium of art.
As the patron of Action on Addiction, the Princess has made occasional visits to the organization's centers. During these visits, she engages with recovering addicts, spends time with them, and actively participates in leisure activities alongside them.
In February 2017, Catherine was observed inspecting a training plane while visiting the RAF Air Cadets at RAF Wittering. Holding the esteemed title of Royal Patron and Honorary Air Commandant of the Air Cadet Organization, she fulfills a significant role in this capacity.
In September 2017, the announcement was made that the couple was expecting their third child.
Prince Louis came into the world on April 23, 2018.
During a visit to Leicester City Football Club in November 2018, where William and Kate were honoring the victims of a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five individuals, including the club's chairman, Kate unexpectedly engaged in a conversation with a soccer fan from the crowd, conversing in Italian.
In a 2014 interview, Kate and William looked back on the challenging periods they navigated during their courtship. Being young and in the process of self-discovery, they acknowledged that the split in 2007 provided them with the necessary time to reassess their relationship.
Upon the revelation of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex's intention to relocate from Kensington Palace, rumors began circulating about a potential discord between Kate and Meghan, as well as heightened tensions between the two princes.
The purported divide between Kate and Meghan has been the subject of much celebrity gossip and speculation. According to reports from the Sun newspaper, royal aides have stated that the two are "very different people," and it's been suggested that the former American actress has faced challenges at times in assimilating into royal circles.
Throughout the years, the bond between the late Queen Elizabeth II and Kate grew increasingly stronger.
However, a 2019 article in Marie Claire highlights that Kate was reportedly deeply affected by the early criticisms of her lifestyle by the British monarch.
Kate and her husband William shared an engaging rapport with the crowd, resembling regular spectators, while enjoying the atmosphere at the velodrome during the 2012 Summer Olympics.
In fact, Kate can be highly emotional during spectator events as she follows the highs and lows of competitive sport.
A photograph captures Kate alongside her younger sister Pippa. Pippa's public visibility escalated notably after her role as the maid of honor at Kate's wedding to Prince William, drawing considerable media attention.
Kate's younger sister is Pippa, and her youngest sibling is her brother James. They're pictured here with their parents.
The royal couple, accompanied by their children Princess Charlotte and Prince George, relished a brief private skiing retreat in the French Alps in 2016.
Whereas it's totally natural for most couples to hold hands in public, William and Kate rarely express public displays of affection (PDA). Some royal observers believe this is because the late Queen rarely held hands with her husband in public, and this appears to have set an unwritten precedent with other members of the royal family.
But there's no doubt the couple are deeply in love and emotionally close.
Kate and her father-in-law, now King Charles, share moments of humor, laughter, and engaging conversation at a royal event, accompanied by their distinctive and eye-catching headwear.
William, Kate, George, and Charlotte arrive at Victoria, in British Columbia, during their 2016 tour of Canada.
William says it with flowers during the royal couple's 2014 tour of Australia.
In 2013, at the National Review of The Queen's Scouts at Windsor Castle, Kate shone brilliantly, holding a bouquet of flowers.
Kate has adeptly embraced her royal responsibilities, consistently demonstrating a relaxed demeanor and a genuine enthusiasm for participating in various celebrations wherever her engagements take her.
With Prince Louis' birth on April 23, 2018, the family became complete. Although William has joked that Catherine might want more...
Kate Middleton effortlessly exemplifies one of her finest moments as a best-dressed individual.
With her husband next in line to become king, Catherine, Princess of Wales looks set to become the future Queen Consort.
From campus to Crown: Kate Middleton’s journey to becoming a beloved modern icon
Get to know more about the Princess of Wales and her colossal popularity
CELEBRITY Royals
Catherine, now known as the Princess of Wales, has emerged as a global icon. Her earlier life as Kate Middleton underwent a massive transformation upon meeting her future husband, Prince William, who is set to become King, making her the future Queen Consort. Cherished by the public as Kate, she now balances roles as a wife, mother, and "Her Royal Highness."
Take a look at the gallery to revisit key moments in the life of Catherine, Princess of Wales.