© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton -

Born on January 9, 1982, in Reading, England, she entered the world as Catherine Elizabeth Middleton.

© Getty Images

Childhood -

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.

© Getty Images

Education at St. Andrew's -

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.

© Getty Images

School time -

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.

© Getty Images

Kate and William -

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.

© Getty Images

Kate Middleton -

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. 

© Getty Images

Split from William and press scrutiny -

In April 2007, Kate and William went through a period of separation. Press speculation was rife as to the reasons behind the breakup.

© Getty Images

Reconciliation in Africa -

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.

© Getty Images

Engagement ring -

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.

© Getty Images

Marriage -

The couple married in Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.

© Getty Images

Balcony kiss -

On that day, Catherine assumed her first title: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.

© Getty Images

The famous wedding -

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.

© Getty Images

The wedding photos -

Prince William and Catherine stood poised for an official photograph, flanked by their bridesmaids and pageboys, within the regal confines of Buckingham Palace.

© Getty Images

A fashion icon in the making -

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. 

© Getty Images

Meeting the Obamas -

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.

© Getty Images

New role -

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.

© Getty Images

First speaking engagement -

Other "firsts" followed, including her first solo military engagement and her first speaking engagement.

© Getty Images

Diamond Jubilee Tour -

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.

© Getty Images

Birth of Prince George -

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.

© Getty Images

Australia and New Zealand -

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.

© Getty Images

Stylish Princess -

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.

© Getty Images

Designer wear -

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.

© Getty Images

The "Kate Middleton effect" -

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.

© Getty Images

The "Kate Middleton effect" -

Kate has a breezy girl-next-door charm that shines through her status and style.

© Getty Images

The first daughter -

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.

© Getty Images

Princess Charlotte -

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.

© Getty Images

Charity work -

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.

© Getty Images

Hair donation -

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.

© Getty Images

Helping with art -

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.

© Getty Images

Helping with recovery -

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.

© Getty Images

Flyer -

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.

© Getty Images

Prince Louis -

In September 2017, the announcement was made that the couple was expecting their third child.

© Getty Images

Third Child -

Prince Louis came into the world on April 23, 2018.

© Getty Images

Kate speaks Italian -

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.

© Getty Images

2007 breakup -

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.

© Getty Images

Tensions between Kate and Meghan -

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.

© Getty Images

The Kate and Meghan "rivalry" -

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.

© Getty Images

Kate and the Queen -

Throughout the years, the bond between the late Queen Elizabeth II and Kate grew increasingly stronger.

© Getty Images

Initial scrutiny -

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.

© Getty Images

A normal couple -

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.

© Getty Images

Emotional -

In fact, Kate can be highly emotional during spectator events as she follows the highs and lows of competitive sport. 

© Getty Images

Kate and Pippa Middleton -

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.

© Getty Images

Pippa and James -

Kate's younger sister is Pippa, and her youngest sibling is her brother James. They're pictured here with their parents.

© Getty Images

Snow holidays -

The royal couple, accompanied by their children Princess Charlotte and Prince George, relished a brief private skiing retreat in the French Alps in 2016.

© Getty Images

No holding hands -

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.

© Getty Images

Kate and The King -

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.

© Getty Images

Canadian tour -

William, Kate, George, and Charlotte arrive at Victoria, in British Columbia, during their 2016 tour of Canada.

© Getty Images

Saying it with flowers -

William says it with flowers during the royal couple's 2014 tour of Australia. 

© Getty Images

Royal bloom -

In 2013, at the National Review of The Queen's Scouts at Windsor Castle, Kate shone brilliantly, holding a bouquet of flowers.

© Getty Images

Always enthusiastic -

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.

© Getty Images

A family of five -

With Prince Louis' birth on April 23, 2018, the family became complete. Although William has joked that Catherine might want more...

© Getty Images

Informal Kate -

Kate Middleton effortlessly exemplifies one of her finest moments as a best-dressed individual.

© Getty Images

An ideal future queen -

With her husband next in line to become king, Catherine, Princess of Wales looks set to become the future Queen Consort.

See also: How the British royal family makes money

© Getty Images