On April 29, 2011, Kate Middleton married Prince William at Westminster Abbey in London, UK. Billed as “The Wedding of the Twenty-First Century,” one million people waited outside to catch a glimpse of the royals. Meanwhile, tens of millions watched the breathtaking event on television. From the romantic carriage ride back and their balcony kiss to Middleton’s dress fit for a queen, everyone went wild for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Today, Middleton continues to be an international role model thanks to her classy style, down-to-earth persona and dedication to charity work. She recently grabbed headlines with her post-baby photo in a red dress with a lace white collar that was a nod to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
Middleton was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on January 9, 1982, in Reading, England. Her family came from a middle-class background. Then, in 1987, her parents started a lucrative mail-order party goods company. Suddenly, the family had enough money to send their three children to boarding schools. In 2001, Middleton became a student at the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland, where she met Prince William. At first, Middleton spurned William’s advances because she already had a boyfriend. By 2004, they were officially dating. After graduating from college in 2006, it took four years (and one breakup!) for the couple to get engaged. Prince William proposed with the same engagement ring that his father had given Princess Diana.
The royal wedding on April 29, 2011 event cost nearly $34 million, with $32 million going to security alone. Middleton’s $434,000 lace bridal gown was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The dress designer was kept a secret to the public until the exciting reveal at the wedding. Even the designers making the lace at the Royal School of Needlework
did not know where their handiwork was going. Although there was much traditional pomp and circumstance, the couple departed from some royal traditions for their nuptials. For example, William selected his brother, Prince Harry, as his best man instead of as his “supporter.” Middleton’s sister, Pippa, was the much-talked-about maid of honor, thanks to her form-fitting dress.
Soon, all eyes will be on Middleton’s brother-in-law, Prince Harry, as he sets to marry American actress Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018. As always, the world will also be watching Middleton, while hoping to catch a glimpse of the newest addition to the British royal family, as well as the adorable Prince George and Princess Charlotte.