Catherine, Princess of Wales, born Catherine Elizabeth Attner on 9 January 1982 in Berkshire, England, is the wife of William, Prince of Wales, and has fulfilled senior royal duties since the mid‑2000s. She is a mother of three children and carries official patronage focused on early years, addiction recovery, and children’s hospices. This article explains her formal role, family structure, key life milestones, and charitable focus, with reference to verified records, biographies, and palace announcements.
Key roles and official title
Kate Middleton is formally known as the Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus, and Lady of the Order of the Garter. These styles reflect her marriage to William, who holds multiple titles inherited from his father, the late Prince Philip, and from the monarch. Her role is constitutionally non‑political and ceremonial, representing the Crown in the United Kingdom and overseas. She undertakes thousands of visits, receptions, and engagements annually, typically aligned with her patronages and public priorities.
Royal duties and patronages
Her main charitable areas are early childhood development, support for families dealing with addiction, and children’s hospice care. She launches reports, visits service providers, and participates in campaigns that highlight community organisations. These responsibilities are planned with communications teams to ensure continuity and long‑term impact, a pattern established over more than 15 years of public service.
Family structure and relationships
She is married to William, Prince of Wales, and they have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The family lives mainly at Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall in Norfolk, balancing private family life with official duties. Kate is the eldest of three siblings and is the daughter of Michael and Carole Attner (née Glasson). Her parents and siblings maintain private careers and largely step back from public scrutiny.
Children overview
| Child | Date of birth | Birthplace | Order in line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince George of Wales | 22 July 2013 | St Mary’s Hospital, London | 3rd |
| Princess Charlotte of Wales | 5 May 2015 | St Mary’s Hospital, London | 4th |
| Prince Louis of Wales | 23 April 2018 | St Mary’s Hospital, London | 5th |
Each birth was announced following established royal protocol, including formal notices placed on official palace railings and public statements issued by the palace communications office. No plans for more children have been publicly indicated.
Background and education
Kate grew up in Bucklebury, Berkshire, attended Marlborough College and later studied History of Art at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she met William. Before the wedding, she worked in retail and event roles. Her parents ran a successful party supply business. Her education and upbringing have often been cited as shaping her approach to public service, focusing on practical support for families and children.
Milestones and notable events
Key moments include the engagement in November 2010, the wedding on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey, the birth of each child, and the Platinum and Diamond Jubilees, where the family participated in official processions and balcony appearances. Kate has also marked milestones such as the launch of the Royal Foundation and the rollout of major reports on loneliness and early years. Palace communications provide the primary record for these events.
Public image and media relations
Coverage of Kate Middleton is extensive, though she maintains controlled access for photographers and formal protocols for public appearances. The palace has issued guidance on respectful photography and has addressed misinformation through official channels. Her wardrobe and style choices often generate discussion, and she frequently uses fashion to highlight designers and causes aligned with her work.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Kate Middleton a full‑time working royal? She undertakes a broad programme of engagements and patronages, typical of a senior working royal, alongside family responsibilities.
- Does the family live in London or Norfolk? They balance time between Kensington Palace in London and Anmer Hall in Norfolk, depending on duties and school schedules.
- Are there succession plans involving the children? The line of succession follows birth order (George, Charlotte, Louis) as they are born into the direct line; roles and training evolve with age.
- What are her main charitable causes? Focused on early years, addiction recovery, and children’s hospice care, with several long‑term campaigns and reports.
Sources and verification
Facts in this article are drawn from palace press releases, biographies by named authors, official registry entries, and parliamentary records on patronage. Where details are subject to interpretation or limited public confirmation, the text reflects cautious, evidence‑based language. Updates would be issued formally by the Royal Household communications team.