{{short description|Member of the British royal family (born 1982)}} {{Redirect|Kate Middleton|the 16th-century princess of Wales|Catherine of Aragon|other people}} {{good article}} {{pp-move|small=yes}} {{pp|small=yes}} {{Use British English|date=December 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox royalty | name = Catherine | title = Princess of Wales | image = Princess of Wales at State Banquet 2025-09-17 (0.75 crop).jpg | alt = Photograph | caption = Catherine in 2025 | birth_name = Catherine Elizabeth Middleton | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|1|9|df=y}} | birth_place = Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, England | spouse = {{marriage|William, Prince of Wales|29 April 2011}} | issue = {{plainlist| * Prince George of Wales * Princess Charlotte of Wales * Prince Louis of Wales }} | house = Windsor (by marriage)<!-- See Talk:House of Windsor#SHSG Part II --> | father = Michael Middleton | mother = Carole Goldsmith | module = {{infobox person | embed=yes | education = University of St Andrews (MA Hons) | signature = CatherineSignature.svg }} }} {{British Royal Family}} '''Catherine,<!--PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE 'CATHERINE' OR ADD HRH - SEE DISCUSSION at Talk:Catherine, Princess of Wales/Archive 4#Urgent naming/first line problem--> Princess of Wales''' (born '''Catherine Elizabeth Middleton''',{{efn|Initially, the media reported her first name as "'''Kate'''", a diminutive of "Catherine".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Walker|first1=Tim|last2=Eden|first2=Richard|title=What has happened to Prince William's Kate?|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10245873/What-has-happened-to-Prince-Williams-Kate-Middleton.html|access-date=31 March 2024|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209070022/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10245873/What-has-happened-to-Prince-Williams-Kate-Middleton.html|date=16 August 2013|archive-date=9 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite later changes to her name and titles, the public continued to use "Kate Middleton".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Duboff|first=Josh|title=It's been five years; why do we still call the Duchess of Cambridge "Kate Middleton"?|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/09/duchess-of-cambridge-kate-middleton-name-title|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610160657/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/09/duchess-of-cambridge-kate-middleton-name-title|access-date=24 March 2024|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=9 September 2016|archive-date=10 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kearney|first=Georgie|title=Kate or Catherine? How the name of Princess of Wales changed after the Queen's death|url=https://7news.com.au/entertainment/royal-family/kate-or-catherine-how-the-name-of-princess-of-wales-changed-after-the-queens-death-c-8332317|access-date=24 March 2024|work=Seven News|date=24 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251016043732/https://7news.com.au/entertainment/royal-family/kate-or-catherine-how-the-name-of-princess-of-wales-changed-after-the-queens-death-c-8332317|archive-date=16 October 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hartmann|first=Margaret|title=Kate Middleton news: A complete guide for daft Americans|url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/kate-middleton-news.html|access-date=24 March 2024|magazine=New York|date=22 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214041929/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/kate-middleton-news.html|archive-date=14 December 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> The British media used "Kate" in their articles as a result of search engine optimisation.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Royston|first=Jack|date=23 August 2023|archive-date=20 February 2024|title=Why Princess Catherine is still called Kate Middleton in media |url=https://www.newsweek.com/why-princess-catherine-called-kate-middleton-media-princess-wales-diana-1821876|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220223532/https://www.newsweek.com/why-princess-catherine-called-kate-middleton-media-princess-wales-diana-1821876|access-date=28 March 2024|magazine=Newsweek|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2025, the BBC apologised to Catherine after receiving numerous complaints for failing to refer to her by her correct name and title.<ref>{{cite news|title=BBC received 728 complaints for failing to use Kate Middleton's correct title|work=Deadline|first=Jake |last=Kanter|url=https://deadline.com/2025/11/bbc-728-complaints-kate-middleton-correct-title-1236627049/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251125041328/https://deadline.com/2025/11/bbc-728-complaints-kate-middleton-correct-title-1236627049/|date=24 November 2025|access-date=24 November 2025|archive-date=25 November 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>}} 9 January 1982), is a member of the British royal family. She is married to William, Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne.
Born in Reading, Catherine grew up in Bucklebury, Berkshire. She was educated at St Andrew's School and Marlborough College before earning a degree in art history at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she met Prince William in 2001 and graduated in 2005. She held several jobs and undertook charity work before their engagement was announced in November 2010. She became Duchess of Cambridge on their marriage at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011. The couple have three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis. She became Princess of Wales on 9 September 2022, when William was created Prince of Wales by his father, King Charles III. In early 2024, she was diagnosed with cancer, underwent chemotherapy, and resumed duties later that year.
Following her marriage, Catherine has undertaken royal duties and engagements in support of the monarch and has represented the royal family on official overseas tours. Her charitable work, largely through the Royal Foundation, focuses on early childhood, addiction, and the arts. She is patron of several charitable and military organisations, including the Anna Freud Centre, Action for Children, SportsAid, and the National Portrait Gallery. To encourage public discussion of mental health, she helped develop the ''Heads Together'' campaign, launched with William and her brother-in-law Harry in April 2016.
Catherine's relationship with the media has attracted sustained attention, particularly her efforts to maintain privacy amid significant public interest. Her influence on fashion has been described as the "Kate Middleton effect". Catherine was named one of ''Time''{{'}}s most influential people in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
==Early life and education== Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born on 9 January 1982 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, the eldest child of Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton (née Goldsmith).{{sfn|Westfahl|2015|page=1232}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/royalwedding/2011/05/03/kate-middleton-s-mum-s-old-school-hosts-royal-wedding-party-64767-28626321|newspaper=Ealing Gazette|title=Kate Middleton's mum's old school hosts royal wedding party|date=3 May 2011|first=Poppy|last=Bradbury|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321165710/https://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/royalwedding/2011/05/03/kate-middleton-s-mum-s-old-school-hosts-royal-wedding-party-64767-28626321/|archive-date=21 March 2012}}</ref> Her parents were employed by British Airways; her father as a flight dispatcher and her mother as a flight attendant. She was baptised on 20 June at St Andrew's Bradfield, the local parish church.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spencer |first=Julie |date=10 June 2017 |title=Church where Kate Middleton was baptised could become houses |url=https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/property/church-kate-middleton-baptised-could-13154553 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122200813/https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/property/church-kate-middleton-baptised-could-13154553 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=24 July 2021 |work=Reading Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Adams |first=William Lee |date=14 April 2011 |title=Kate Middleton's secret confirmation: How religious is the future princess? |url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2011/04/14/kate-middletons-secret-confirmation-how-religious-is-the-future-princess/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822202917/https://newsfeed.time.com/2011/04/14/kate-middletons-secret-confirmation-how-religious-is-the-future-princess/ |archive-date=22 August 2012 |access-date=20 February 2013 |magazine=Time}}</ref>{{sfn|Jobson|2010|p=32}} Catherine has two younger siblings, Philippa ("Pippa") (born 1983) and James (born 1987).{{sfn|Nicholl|2015|page=26}}{{sfn|Reitwiesner|2011|pp=9, 16}} Her paternal relatives benefited from family trust funds and were regarded as upper-middle-class with connections to the landed gentry;<ref>{{multiref|{{cite book|title=Current Biography Yearbook|year=2011|publisher=H. W. Wilson|isbn=978-0-8242-1121-9|pages=[https://archive.org/details/currentbiography0000unse_z0h6/page/116 116–118]|chapter=Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/currentbiography0000unse_z0h6/page/116}}|{{cite news|last=Rayner|first=Gordon |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title='Middle-class' Duchess of Cambridge's relative wore crown and attended George V's coronation|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10307469/Middle-class-Duchess-of-Cambridges-relative-wore-crown-and-attended-George-Vs-coronation.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426043340/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10307469/Middle-class-Duchess-of-Cambridges-relative-wore-crown-and-attended-George-Vs-coronation.html|date=13 September 2013|access-date=26 April 2016|archive-date=26 April 2016|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}}}</ref>{{Sfnm|ps=none|Warde|2013|1p=9|Price|2011|2p=130|Smith|2011|3p=13}} her great-grandparents Noël and Olive Middleton, hosted members of the British royal family from the 1920s to the 1940s.<ref>{{multiref|{{cite news|last=Rayner|first=Gordon|title='Middle-class' Duchess of Cambridge's relative wore crown and attended George V's coronation|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10307469/Middle-class-Duchess-of-Cambridges-relative-wore-crown-and-attended-George-Vs-coronation.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=13 September 2013|access-date=29 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621031215/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10307469/Middle-class-Duchess-of-Cambridges-relative-wore-crown-and-attended-George-Vs-coronation.html|archive-date=21 June 2016|url-status=live}}|{{cite web|last=Reed|first=Michael |title=Gledhow Hall|url=https://houseandheritage.org/2016/09/05/gledhow-hall/|work=House and Heritage – David Poole |date=2016 |access-date=15 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906103755/https://houseandheritage.org/2016/09/05/gledhow-hall/|archive-date=6 September 2016|url-status=live}}|{{cite web |title=Garden Party, Headingley Cricket Ground |url=https://www.leodis.net/viewimage/94731 |website=Leodis |access-date=10 June 2021 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516232110/https://www.leodis.net/viewimage/94731 |url-status=live }}|{{cite news|last=Tominey|first=Camilla |title=Duchess of Cambridge's great-great aunt was a mental asylum patient – just like Prince William's great-grandmother|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/08/19/duchess-cambridges-great-great-aunt-mental-asylum-patient/|access-date=21 July 2022|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=19 August 2022 |archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922003656/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/08/19/duchess-cambridges-great-great-aunt-mental-asylum-patient|url-status=live}}|{{cite news|first=Christopher|last=Wilson|title=The Middletons deserve a title, step forward the Earl and Countess of Fairfax|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10204690/The-Middletons-deserve-a-title-step-forward-the-Earl-and-Countess-of-Fairfax.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 July 2013|access-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507093452/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10204690/The-Middletons-deserve-a-title-step-forward-the-Earl-and-Countess-of-Fairfax.html|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Headrow, Permanent House|website=Leodis |url=https://www.leodis.net/display.aspx?resourceIdentifier=2002627_72555179&DISPLAY=FULL |access-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701130410/https://www.leodis.net/display.aspx?resourceIdentifier=2002627_72555179&DISPLAY=FULL|archive-date=1 July 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Smith|2011|p=13}} Her maternal family, descended from coal miners, have been described as working-class.<ref>{{cite news|title=Class no barrier for Kate Middleton |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/class-no-barrier-for-kate-middleton-20110415-1dh20.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 April 2011|access-date=11 May 2024 |archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209064553/https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/class-no-barrier-for-kate-middleton-20110415-1dh20.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Nicholl |first=Katie |title=Meet the parents |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2011/04/meet-the-middletons-201104 |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=25 May 2021 |archive-date=12 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412193948/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2011/04/meet-the-middletons-201104 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 1984, the Middletons moved from Bradfield Southend, Berkshire, to Amman, Jordan, where Catherine attended an English-language nursery school.<ref name="macleans">{{cite magazine |last=Köhler |first=Nicholas |title=Kate Middleton: An uncommon princess |url=https://www.macleans.ca/news/world/an-uncommon-princess/ |magazine=Maclean's |access-date=15 September 2021 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205021841/https://www.macleans.ca/news/world/an-uncommon-princess/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kate Middleton family photos reveal her time in Jordan |first=Gordon |last=Rayner |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8366374/Kate-Middleton-family-photos-reveal-her-time-in-Jordan.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310050206/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8366374/Kate-Middleton-family-photos-reveal-her-time-in-Jordan.html|date=7 March 2011 |access-date=11 March 2011 |archive-date=10 March 2011|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the family's return to Berkshire in September 1986, she was enrolled at St Andrew's School near Pangbourne, a private school,{{sfn|Moody|2013|page=34}} where she later boarded part-weekly.<ref>{{cite news|title=Duchess of Cambridge returns to St Andrew's School|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-20555704|work=BBC News|date=30 December 2012|access-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717163946/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-20555704|archive-date=17 July 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1987, her mother founded Party Pieces, a privately owned mail-order company supplying party goods.<ref>{{cite news|last=Woods|first=Judith|date=16 October 2023|archive-date=11 March 2024|title=The real reason Carole Middleton's Party Pieces collapsed (according to the man trying to save it) |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/10/16/carole-middleton-party-pieces-business-james-sinclair/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311110938/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/10/16/carole-middleton-party-pieces-business-james-sinclair/|access-date=11 March 2024|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/princess-of-waless-parents-party-supplies-firm-sold-after-brush-with-insolvency-12883612|title=Princess of Wales's parents' party supplies firm sold after brush with insolvency|work=Sky News|first=Mark|last=Kleinman|date=18 May 2023|access-date=18 May 2023|archive-date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518193400/https://news.sky.com/story/princess-of-waless-parents-party-supplies-firm-sold-after-brush-with-insolvency-12883612|url-status=live}}</ref> The family relocated to Bucklebury in 1995,<ref>{{cite news |title=Royal wedding: Kate Middleton's home village of Bucklebury prepares for big day |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8435034/Royal-wedding-Kate-Middletons-home-village-of-Bucklebury-prepares-for-big-day.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=12 April 2011 |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412145530/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8435034/Royal-wedding-Kate-Middletons-home-village-of-Bucklebury-prepares-for-big-day.html |archive-date=12 April 2011 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kate Middleton and her family business |url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/smallbusiness/1104/gallery.kate_middleton_party_pieces/5.html |work=CNN Money |access-date=15 September 2021 |archive-date=15 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915035644/https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/smallbusiness/1104/gallery.kate_middleton_party_pieces/5.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Catherine continued her education at Downe House School,<ref>{{cite news|title=Royal wedding: 50 things you may not know about Kate Middleton and Prince William|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Laura|last=Roberts|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8139417/Royal-wedding-50-things-you-may-not-know-about-Kate-Middleton-and-Prince-William.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605220120/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8139417/Royal-wedding-50-things-you-may-not-know-about-Kate-Middleton-and-Prince-William.html|date=17 November 2010|access-date=6 May 2014|archive-date=5 June 2014|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> before becoming a boarder at Marlborough College in Wiltshire.<ref>{{cite news|title=World press gather outside Middleton family home in Bucklebury as royal relationship ends|work=Newbury Today|url=https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=4152|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920185955/https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=4152|date=14 April 2007 |archive-date=20 September 2011}}</ref>{{sfn|Joseph|2011|page=89}} At Marlborough, she played several sports and captained the girls' field hockey team.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/video/2012/mar/15/duchess-cambridge-hockey-olympic-video|title=Duchess of Cambridge plays hockey at Olympic park – video|newspaper=The Guardian|date=15 March 2012|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018022654/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/video/2012/mar/15/duchess-cambridge-hockey-olympic-video|url-status=live}}</ref> She earned a gold Duke of Edinburgh Award<ref>{{cite news|title=Kate Middleton: 30 facts about the Duchess of Cambridge|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/8999285/Kate-Middleton-30-facts-about-the-Duchess-of-Cambridge.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=9 January 2012|access-date=4 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329080043/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/8999285/Kate-Middleton-30-facts-about-the-Duchess-of-Cambridge.html |archive-date=29 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Facts">{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-birthday-things-you-didnt-know-future-queen/|title=Happy birthday, Kate Middleton! 10 things you didn't know about the future Queen|magazine=People|first=Janine|last=Henni|date=9 January 2024|access-date=4 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502153754/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-birthday-things-you-didnt-know-future-queen/|archive-date=2 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> and underwent an operation on the left side of her head, reportedly to remove a lump, during this period.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Independent|first=Emma |last=Guinness| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/kate-middleton-cancer-lump-removal-princess-wales-b2588167.html|title=Kate Middleton had 'emergency surgery' to remove lump as teenager|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801043124/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/kate-middleton-cancer-lump-removal-princess-wales-b2588167.html|date=31 July 2024|access-date=3 August 2024|archive-date=1 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
Although offered a place at the University of Edinburgh,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-william-kate-middleton-the-crown-b2466124.html|title=The making of a Duchess: How Kate Middleton met Prince William|work=The Independent|first=Meredith|last=Clark|date=18 December 2023|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429130300/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-william-kate-middleton-the-crown-b2466124.html|archive-date=29 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Middleton took a gap year, studying at the British Institute of Florence and travelling to Chile to join a Raleigh International programme.{{sfn|Nicholl|2015|pp=76–79}} She worked as a deckhand at the Port of Southampton during the summer preceding university.{{sfn|Nicholl|2015|page=82}} She subsequently enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Fife, initially studying psychology before focusing solely on art history.<ref>{{cite news |title=Duchess of Cambridge reveals studying psychology at university inspired her charity work |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2018/11/21/duchess-cambridge-studied-psychology-university-emerges-reveals/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2018/11/21/duchess-cambridge-studied-psychology-university-emerges-reveals/ |date=21 November 2018|archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=20 October 2020 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> While at university, she worked part-time as a waitress<ref name=Facts/> and was an active member of The Lumsden Club, which organised fundraising events and community projects.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ward |first=Victoria |title=Victory for Kate Middleton as men-only university club splinters |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9095871/Victory-for-Kate-Middleton-as-men-only-university-club-splinters.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9095871/Victory-for-Kate-Middleton-as-men-only-university-club-splinters.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=20 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> She graduated in 2005 with an undergraduate Master of Arts (2:1 Hons) in art history.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Auslan|last=Cramb|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8347946/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-return-to-St-Andrews-University-for-anniversary-celebrations.html|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton return to St Andrews University for anniversary celebrations|date=25 February 2011|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411005051/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8347946/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-return-to-St-Andrews-University-for-anniversary-celebrations.html|archive-date=11 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Personal life== ===Relationship with Prince William=== [[File:Prince Harry and Kate Middleton at the Garter Procession 2008.jpg|thumb|upright|With Prince Harry (left) at William's Order of the Garter investiture, 2008|alt=see caption]] In 2001, Middleton met Prince William while they were students in residence at St Salvator's Hall.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Auslan|last=Cramb |title=Prince William and Kate Middleton return to St Andrews University for anniversary celebrations|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8347946/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-return-to-St-Andrews-University-for-anniversary-celebrations.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718044552/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8347946/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-return-to-St-Andrews-University-for-anniversary-celebrations.html|date=25 February 2011|access-date=9 August 2015|archive-date=18 July 2015|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|The author Katie Nicholl suggests that the couple met before going to St Andrews through mutual friends while Middleton was a student at Marlborough College.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/the-true-story-how-wills-and-kate-really-met/NN7QBX6QUYK2R4ZALBELWV7MSA/|title=The true story: How Wills and Kate really met|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|date=13 April 2019|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812202255/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/the-true-story-how-wills-and-kate-really-met/NN7QBX6QUYK2R4ZALBELWV7MSA/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} She reportedly caught William's attention at a charity fashion show at the university in 2002.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kate Middleton's transparent dress sparks global interest at auction|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/8377828/Kate-Middletons-transparent-dress-sparks-global-interest-at-auction.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621102059/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/8377828/Kate-Middletons-transparent-dress-sparks-global-interest-at-auction.html|date=12 March 2011|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=21 June 2018|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> The couple began dating in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peskoe|first=Ashley|title=The start of Prince William and Kate Middleton's love story|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/Royal_Wedding/kate-middleton-prince-williams-romance-st-andrews/story?id=13356247|access-date=28 October 2015|work=ABC News|date=12 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817212554/https://abcnews.go.com/International/Royal_Wedding/kate-middleton-prince-williams-romance-st-andrews/story?id=13356247|archive-date=17 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> During their second year, Middleton shared a flat with William and two friends.<ref name="Tel-Rel">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8139020/Royal-wedding-schoolgirl-dream-comes-true-for-Kate-Middleton-the-princess-in-waiting.html|title=Royal wedding: schoolgirl dream comes true for Kate Middleton, the 'princess in waiting'|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Gordon|last=Rayner|date=17 November 2010|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621142508/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8139020/Royal-wedding-schoolgirl-dream-comes-true-for-Kate-Middleton-the-princess-in-waiting.html|archive-date=21 June 2018|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> From 2003 until 2005, they lived at Balgove House on the Strathtyrum estate with two roommates.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Wills and the Real Girl |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/12/william-and-kate-201012|magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=9 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209053629/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/12/william-and-kate-201012 |url-status=live }}</ref> They also began staying at Tam-Na-Ghar, a cottage on the Balmoral estate that had been given to William by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother shortly before her death. The property has remained a private retreat for the couple in subsequent years.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.tatler.com/article/tam-na-ghar-prince-and-princess-of-wales-private-cottage-balmoral|title=The Prince and Princess of Wales' private cottage on the Balmoral estate, Tam-Na-Ghar, provides the perfect spot for rest and relaxation|magazine=Tatler|first=Clara|last=Strunck|date=14 August 2025|access-date=18 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250505070203/https://www.tatler.com/article/tam-na-ghar-prince-and-princess-of-wales-private-cottage-balmoral|archive-date=5 May 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, the couple briefly separated before later resuming their relationship.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Esquire|url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a46051225/how-did-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-meet/|title=How did Prince William and Kate Middleton meet (and why did they break up, twice?)|first=Laura|last=Martin|date=14 December 2023|access-date=4 May 2024|archive-date=29 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429181250/https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a46051225/how-did-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-meet/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2006, Middleton commenced part-time work for 12 months as an accessories buyer with the clothing chain Jigsaw.{{sfn|Moody|2013|page=104}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Fixating on a future royal as elusive as Cinderella|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/world/europe/21kate.html|access-date=6 May 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|date=21 April 2011|first=Sarah|last=Lyall|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507004206/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/world/europe/21kate.html|archive-date=7 May 2014|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> She also worked as a project manager in the family business, where she was responsible for the website and catalogue.<ref>{{cite news|last=Barkham|first=Patrick|title=Kate Middleton: William's very private princess-to-be|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/apr/26/kate-middleton-william-private-princess|access-date=21 May 2024|newspaper=The Guardian|date=26 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513063733/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/apr/26/kate-middleton-william-private-princess|archive-date=13 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Bickerstaff|first=Isaac |title=Kate Middleton's parents Carole and Michael face fresh heartache over Party Pieces following the collapse of the business|url=https://www.tatler.com/article/party-pieces-latest-update-business-carole-middleton|access-date=21 May 2024|magazine=Tatler|date=21 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406062204/https://www.tatler.com/article/party-pieces-latest-update-business-carole-middleton|archive-date=6 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
Middleton attended William's Passing Out Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in December 2006.<ref>{{cite news |title=William graduates from Sandhurst |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/6181761.stm |access-date=28 October 2015 |work=BBC News |date=15 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194133/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/6181761.stm |archive-date=10 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Royal wedding: The Kate Middleton story |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11767308 |access-date=28 October 2015 |work=BBC News |date=16 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194133/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11767308 |archive-date=10 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2007, they ended their relationship.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William splits from Kate |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6554841.stm |work=BBC News |date=14 April 2007 |access-date=7 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113081840/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6554841.stm |archive-date=13 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Moody|2013|page=111-112}} It was subsequently reported that the couple had reconciled.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7030599.stm |title='Paparazzi chase' concerns prince |work=BBC News |date=5 October 2007 |access-date=7 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212113611/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7030599.stm |archive-date=12 December 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2008, Middleton attended the wedding of William's cousin Peter Phillips to Autumn Kelly in William's place, meeting Queen Elizabeth II for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Alderson |first1=Andrew |last2=Nikkah |first2=Roya |title=Royal wedding: Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly tie the knot|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/1976931/Royal-wedding-Peter-Phillips-and-Autumn-Kelly-tie-the-knot.html|access-date=28 October 2015|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=17 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124012206/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/1976931/Royal-wedding-Peter-Phillips-and-Autumn-Kelly-tie-the-knot.html|archive-date=24 November 2015|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mackelden |first=Amy |title=What Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth II's relationship is really like |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a26868195/kate-middleton-queen-elizabeth-relationship-timeline/ |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |date=10 April 2019 |access-date=12 April 2021 |archive-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407012711/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a26868195/kate-middleton-queen-elizabeth-relationship-timeline/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Middleton attended the Order of the Garter procession at Windsor Castle in June 2008, where William was made a Royal Knight of the Garter.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |last=Alleyne |first=Richard |title=Prince William Appointed Knight of the Garter|date=16 June 2008|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=1 May 2011|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2140207/Prince-William-appointed-Knight-of-the-Garter.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501150558/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2140207/Prince-William-appointed-Knight-of-the-Garter.html|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2008, she was a guest at the wedding of Lady Rose Windsor and George Gilman while William was serving in the Caribbean aboard HMS ''Iron Duke''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2435912/Kate-Middleton-attends-another-royal-wedding.html|title=Kate Middleton attends another royal wedding |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |first=Roya |last=Nikkah |date=19 July 2008 |access-date=29 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409053550/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2435912/Kate-Middleton-attends-another-royal-wedding.html |archive-date=9 April 2013 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}}</ref> In June 2010, the couple moved into a cottage on the Bodorgan Estate in Anglesey, Wales, where William lived during his RAF search and rescue training and subsequent career.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William and Kate revisit former home of Anglesey |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-48200225 |work=BBC News |date=8 May 2019 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=12 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812202254/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-48200225 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=First look inside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Anglesey home |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/10328491/First-look-inside-the-Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridges-Anglesey-home.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/10328491/First-look-inside-the-Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridges-Anglesey-home.html |date=23 September 2013|archive-date=10 January 2022|newspaper=The Telegraph|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Before her marriage, Middleton lived with her sister Pippa in an apartment owned by their parents in Chelsea, London.<ref name="Roberts2018">{{cite magazine|last=Roberts|first=Kayleigh|date=22 September 2018|title=Kate Middleton's net worth before she married Prince William will make your jaw drop|url=https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a23370568/kate-middleton-net-worth-before-she-married-prince-william/|magazine=Marie Claire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250623151537/https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a23370568/kate-middleton-net-worth-before-she-married-prince-william/|archive-date=23 June 2025|access-date=25 July 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Marriage and children=== {{further|Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton|Wedding dress of Catherine Middleton|Engagement dress of Catherine Middleton}}
Middleton and William became engaged in October 2010 at a remote alpine cabin on Mount Kenya<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/04/28/kenya.royal.engagement/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106045718/https://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/04/28/kenya.royal.engagement/index.html|title=Prince William chose rustic Kenyan cabin for engagement|work=CNN|first1=Faith|last1=Karimi|first2=David|last2=McKenzie|date=30 April 2011|archive-date=6 November 2023|access-date=18 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> during a ten-day visit to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince William to marry Kate Middleton next year|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11765422|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116200505/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11765422|date=16 November 2010|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=16 November 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/8136685/Royal-wedding-profile-of-Kate-Middleton.html|title=Royal wedding: profile of Kate Middleton|date=16 November 2010|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=16 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118090348/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/8136685/Royal-wedding-profile-of-Kate-Middleton.html|archive-date=18 November 2010|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Clarence House announced the engagement on 16 November that year.{{sfn|Moody|2013|page=139}}<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged!|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|url=https://people.com/celebrity/prince-william-engaged-to-kate-middleton/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318152020/https://people.com/celebrity/prince-william-engaged-to-kate-middleton/|date=16 November 2010|access-date=18 March 2023|archive-date=18 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> William gave her the engagement ring that had belonged to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Middleton was confirmed into the Church of England on 10 March at St James's Palace by the Bishop of London, with her family and William in attendance, ahead of the wedding.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kate Middleton's confirmed belief|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2011/apr/14/kate-middleton-confirmed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930034533/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2011/apr/14/kate-middleton-confirmed|date=14 April 2011|access-date=16 April 2021|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kate Middleton confirmed in Church of England |work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-13066249|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220070232/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-13066249|date=13 April 2011 |access-date=16 April 2021|archive-date=20 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 2022 - Platinum Pageant (52124830349).jpg|thumb|With William, their children and other senior royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on 5 June 2022|alt=Photograph of the royal family]]
The couple married on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey on St Catherine's Day.<ref name="Guardian-BH">{{cite news |title=Royal wedding date set for 29 April|newspaper=The Guardian |first=Stephen |last=Bates|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/nov/23/royal-wedding-date-29-april |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917174229/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/nov/23/royal-wedding-date-29-april|date=23 November 2010|access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-date=17 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The day was declared a bank holiday in the United Kingdom.<ref name="Guardian-BH"/> Estimates of the global audience for the wedding reached around 300 million, whilst 26 million watched the event live in Britain.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=The Royal Wedding |date=17 May 2011 |publisher=Broadcasters' Audience Research Board |url=https://www.barb.co.uk/news/item/id/228/?source=primary |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327074230/https://www.barb.co.uk/news/item/id/228/?source=primary |archive-date=27 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=William and Kate mark 12th wedding anniversary with photo|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-65432400|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225201508/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-65432400|date=29 April 2023|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-date=25 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/tv-column/2011/04/28/AFbhUR8E_story.html|first=Lisa |last=de Moraes|newspaper=The Washington Post |title=The TV Column: Counting royal wedding watchers .?.?. before the wedding?|date=28 April 2011 |access-date=2 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928012048/https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-04-28/lifestyle/35230363_1_memorial-service-nielsen-eternal-flame |archive-date=28 September 2013|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Her wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.<ref>{{cite news|date=29 April 2011|title=Kate Middleton's bridal dress designed by Sarah Burton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13235599|work=BBC News|access-date=25 April 2021|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414032503/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13235599|url-status=live}}</ref> Catherine was styled as "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge".<ref name=Beckford>{{cite news|last=Beckford|first=Martin|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8482962/Royal-wedding-Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-become-Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridge.html|title=Royal wedding: Prince William and Kate Middleton become Duke and Duchess of Cambridge|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=29 April 2011|access-date=1 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003152842/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8482962/Royal-wedding-Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-become-Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridge.html|archive-date=3 October 2013|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The couple were given Anmer Hall, a country home on the Sandringham estate, as a wedding gift from the Queen.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kate and William make media plea for privacy during stay in Norfolk |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/07/kate-william-media-plea-privacy-norfolk-baby-charlotte |access-date=21 November 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=7 May 2015 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128082015/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/07/kate-william-media-plea-privacy-norfolk-baby-charlotte |url-status=live }}</ref>
In December 2012, St James's Palace announced that Catherine was pregnant with her first child. The announcement was made earlier than usual as she had been admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness.<ref>{{cite news |title=Royal pregnancy: Duchess leaves hospital|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20626495|date=6 December 2012 |access-date=6 December 2012 |work=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206170446/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20626495|archive-date=6 December 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> She gave birth to Prince George at St Mary's Hospital, London, in July 2013.<ref name="BBC22July">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23413653 |title=Royal baby: Kate gives birth to boy |work=BBC News |date=22 July 2013 |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723014429/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23413653 |archive-date=23 July 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The condition recurred during her subsequent pregnancies, leading Catherine to cancel official engagements.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41148027|title=Royal baby: Duchess of Cambridge expecting third child|work=BBC News|date=4 September 2017|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521171610/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41148027|archive-date=21 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She gave birth to Princess Charlotte in May 2015<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32583432|title=Royal princess named as Charlotte|work=BBC News|access-date=4 May 2015|date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507193118/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32583432|archive-date=7 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and to Prince Louis in April 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davies |first=Caroline |title=Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to baby girl |date=3 May 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/03/duchess-of-cambridge-gives-birth-to-baby-girl |url-status=live |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205808/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/03/duchess-of-cambridge-gives-birth-to-baby-girl |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=24 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43864933 |title=Royal baby: Duke and duchess show off new son |date=23 April 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620110045/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43864933 |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> George, Charlotte, and Louis were respectively third, fourth, and fifth in the line of succession to the British throne at the times of their births. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, they became second, third, and fourth in line to the throne.<ref>{{cite news|work=CBS News|title=Who's next in line for the throne after King Charles? The British royal family's line of succession in detail|date=|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-date=29 April 2024|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/britain-line-of-succession/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429235055/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/britain-line-of-succession/|url-status=live}}</ref> They owned an English Cocker Spaniel, Lupo, who died in 2020,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-dog-lupo-dies/|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton mourn the death of family dog Lupo: 'We will miss him so much'|magazine=People|first=Maria|last=Pasquini|date=22 November 2020|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=22 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122175639/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-dog-lupo-dies/|url-status=live}}</ref> and now have Orla and one of her puppies, Otto, both of the same breed.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-bring-dog-orla-charity-polo-match/|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William bring their dog Orla to charity polo match!|magazine=People |first1=Stephanie|last1=Petit |first2=Erin|last2=Hill|date=6 July 2022|access-date=6 July 2022|archive-date=6 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706203657/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-bring-dog-orla-charity-polo-match/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=The Independent|last=Wylie|first=Catherine|title=Kate and William share name of new family dog in sweet post marking the spaniel's first birthday |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/william-kate-puppy-dog-otto-b2968843.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260501144612/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/william-kate-puppy-dog-otto-b2968843.html|date=1 May 2026|access-date=1 May 2026|archive-date=1 May 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following their marriage, Catherine and William continued to reside in Anglesey in a rented four-bedroom farmhouse on the Bodorgan Home Farm estate while William worked as an RAF search and rescue pilot. They also used Nottingham Cottage as their London residence.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |title=New family-size house for Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in his childhood home |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/8872150/New-family-size-house-for-William-and-Kate-in-his-childhood-home.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/8872150/New-family-size-house-for-William-and-Kate-in-his-childhood-home.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2013, they moved into the 20-room Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, which had been renovated over 18 months at a cost of £4.5 million.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/06/25/world/europe/uk-royals-palace-upgrade/index.html?hpt=hp_t4 |title=Royal palace upgrade for William, Catherine and George costs $7.6 million |last=Foster |first=Max |date=26 June 2014 |work=CNN |access-date=26 June 2014 |archive-date=12 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412190830/https://www.cnn.com/2014/06/25/world/europe/uk-royals-palace-upgrade/index.html?hpt=hp_t4 |url-status=live}}</ref> It became their main residence in 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Kate Middleton and Prince William are officially moving to London this fall |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/01/prince-william-kate-middleton-george-charlotte-moving-london |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=20 January 2017 |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924172925/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/01/prince-william-kate-middleton-george-charlotte-moving-london |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2022, the family moved to Adelaide Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle, where they lived until October 2025.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62632439 |title=Adelaide Cottage: William and Kate to move to cottage on Windsor estate |work=BBC News |first=Nicholas |last=Witchell |date=22 August 2022 |access-date=22 August 2022 |archive-date=22 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822112831/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62632439 |url-status=live}}</ref> Forest Lodge is their current residence.<ref name="October25">{{cite news |title=Prince and Princess of Wales become closer neighbours with Andrew |work=The Daily Telegraph |first1=Victoria |first2=Hannah |last1=Ward |last2=Furness |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/11/01/prince-princess-of-wales-become-closer-neighbours-andrew-uk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251102031910/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/11/01/prince-princess-of-wales-become-closer-neighbours-andrew-uk/ |date=1 November 2025 |access-date=1 November 2025 |archive-date=2 November 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Health===
In January 2024, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine had undergone planned abdominal surgery at the London Clinic for an undisclosed condition.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|first1=Andre|last1=Rhoden-Paul|first2=Sean|last2=Coughlan|title=Catherine, Princess of Wales, in hospital after abdominal surgery|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68009259|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117141308/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68009259|date=17 January 2024|access-date=17 January 2024|archive-date=17 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> She postponed engagements through March, prompting public speculation and conspiracy theories.<ref>{{cite news|last=Relph|first=Daniela|date=29 February 2024|title=Analysis: A royal dilemma as public curiosity over Kate's health grows|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68440735|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309091221/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68440735|archive-date=9 March 2024|access-date=11 March 2024|work=BBC News}}</ref>
On 22 March, in a video message, Catherine revealed that post-operative tests had found cancer and that she had begun chemotherapy in late February.<ref>{{cite news|date=22 March 2024|title=Princess of Wales says she is undergoing cancer treatment|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68641441|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322180711/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68641441|work=BBC News|first=Sean|last=Coughlin|archive-date=22 March 2024|access-date=22 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Her leave was extended as treatment continued.<ref>{{cite news|last=Marris|first=Sharon|date=23 March 2024|title=Kate, Princess of Wales, reveals she is having treatment for cancer|url=https://news.sky.com/story/kate-princess-of-wales-reveals-she-is-having-treatment-for-cancer-13099988|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327161146/https://news.sky.com/story/kate-princess-of-wales-reveals-she-is-having-treatment-for-cancer-13099988|archive-date=27 March 2024|access-date=8 April 2024|work=Sky News|url-status=live}}</ref>
Catherine returned to public view at Trooping the Colour in June.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Coughlan|last2=Smith|first1=Sean|first2=Alex|date=15 June 2024|title=Kate returns to public events at Trooping the Colour|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw882661dq2o|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615135747/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw882661dq2o|archive-date=15 June 2024|access-date=15 June 2024|work=BBC News|url-status=live}}</ref> In September, she announced the end of chemotherapy and her intention to resume duties.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah|last=Furness|title=Princess of Wales: My chemotherapy is over, now I'm focused on staying cancer-free|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/09/09/princess-of-wales-chemotherapy-over-staying-cancer-free/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909154926/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/09/09/princess-of-wales-chemotherapy-over-staying-cancer-free/|date=9 September 2024|access-date=9 September 2024|archive-date=9 September 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> In October, she met families of the victims of the 2024 Southport stabbings in her first official engagement since treatment.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Kate makes surprise first public visit since ending chemo|first=Sean|last=Coughlan|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm249ym44dvo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251215093051/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm249ym44dvo|date=10 October 2024|archive-date=15 December 2025|access-date=11 October 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2025, following a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she had received treatment, Catherine confirmed she was in remission.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|first=Sean|last=Coughlan|title=Kate reveals she is in remission from cancer|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2m8g2vp41o|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114132907/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2m8g2vp41o|date=14 January 2025|archive-date=14 January 2025|access-date=14 January 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Duchess of Cambridge== ===Within the United Kingdom=== Middleton made her first public appearance with William following their engagement announcement in November 2010 at a fundraiser organised by the Teenage Cancer Trust in December.<ref>{{cite news|title=William and Kate attend trust show|newspaper=Belfast Telegraph|url=https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/william-and-kate-attend-trust-show/28577165.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501103854/https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/william-and-kate-attend-trust-show/28577165.html|date=18 December 2010|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> She made her first official public appearance in February 2011, when the couple attended a lifeboat-naming ceremony in Trearddur.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Royal wedding: William and Kate's Anglesey visit|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12558600|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224044450/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12558600|date=24 February 2011|access-date=24 February 2011|archive-date=24 February 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Duchess of Cambridge attends Anglesey ultra marathon|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-23891271|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194134/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-23891271|date=30 August 2013|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, they undertook a visit to Belfast.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton charm Belfast crowds|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-12679310/prince-william-and-kate-middleton-charm-belfast-crowds|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427022759/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-12679310/prince-william-and-kate-middleton-charm-belfast-crowds|date=8 March 2011|access-date=28 February 2018|archive-date=27 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Catherine's first official engagement after her wedding came in May that year, when she and William met US president Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace.<ref>{{cite news|title=Barack Obama and Michelle meet Prince William and Kate at Buckingham Palace|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8533198/Barack-Obama-and-Michelle-meet-Prince-William-and-Kate-at-Buckingham-Palace.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194134/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8533198/Barack-Obama-and-Michelle-meet-Prince-William-and-Kate-at-Buckingham-Palace.html|date=24 May 2011|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Reporters noted the warm exchanges between the two families.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Obamas meet Will and Kate|work=Politico|first1=Jennifer|last1=Epstein|first2=Carrie |last2=Budoff Brown|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2011/05/the-obamas-meet-will-and-kate-055561|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602174704/https://www.politico.com/story/2011/05/the-obamas-meet-will-and-kate-055561|date=24 May 2011|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=2 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In October, she carried out her first solo engagement at a reception for In Kind Direct at Clarence House, standing in for the then Prince Charles.<ref>{{cite news|last=Derschowitz|first=Jessica|title=Kate takes on first solo royal engagement|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kate-takes-on-first-solo-royal-engagement/|work=CBS News|access-date=2 May 2024|date=27 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118164338/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kate-takes-on-first-solo-royal-engagement/|archive-date=18 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2012, she gave her first public speech at the opening of a children's hospice supported by her patronage, East Anglia's Children's Hospices.{{sfn|Moody|2013|page=212}}<ref>{{cite news|work=The Guardian|title=Duchess of Cambridge makes first public speech at new hospice|first=Lizzy|last=Davies |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/mar/19/duchess-cambridge-first-speech-hospice|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112110755/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/mar/19/duchess-cambridge-first-speech-hospice|date=19 March 2012 |access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=12 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> She and William were announced as ambassadors for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/01/royals-london-2012-olympic-games |title=Royals made ambassadors of London 2012 Olympic Games|newspaper=The Guardian|date=1 December 2011|access-date=13 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930145312/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/01/royals-london-2012-olympic-games|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> attending numerous sporting events throughout the Games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, gets into the Olympic spirit at London Games |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kate-duchess-of-cambridge-gets-into-the-olympic-spirit-at-london-games/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601033335/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kate-duchess-of-cambridge-gets-into-the-olympic-spirit-at-london-games/|work=CBS News|first=Jessica|last=Derschowitz|date=9 August 2012|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=1 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> They also took part in celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, including the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in July.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kate Middleton pretty in pink Emilia Wickstead at Queen's Jubilee lunch|url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-pretty-in-pink-emilia-wickstead-at-queen-s-jubilee-lunch-155085|magazine=Marie Claire|date=18 May 2012|access-date=20 November 2020|archive-date=29 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329172746/https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-pretty-in-pink-emilia-wickstead-at-queen-s-jubilee-lunch-155085|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Diamond Jubilee Pageant guests|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/the_queens_diamond_jubilee/9308755/Diamond-Jubilee-Middleton-family-among-guests-in-Thames-pageant.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=3 June 2012|access-date=20 November 2020|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419024649/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/the_queens_diamond_jubilee/9308755/Diamond-Jubilee-Middleton-family-among-guests-in-Thames-pageant.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2019, Catherine and William undertook a two‑day visit to Northern Ireland, visiting Belfast, Fermanagh, and Ballymena.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moniuszko |first=Sara M. |title=Duchess Kate stuns in red coat for surprise Northern Ireland visit with Prince William |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/02/27/prince-william-duchess-kate-make-surprise-visit-northern-ireland/3001821002/ |access-date=15 November 2020 |newspaper=USA Today |date=27 February 2019 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108014231/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/02/27/prince-william-duchess-kate-make-surprise-visit-northern-ireland/3001821002/|url-status=live}}</ref> The visit highlighted the region's young people and acknowledged progress made in overcoming long‑standing divisions.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Cosmopolitan| first=Catriona|last=Harvey-Jenner|title=Why Prince William and Kate Middleton's surprise trip to Northern Ireland was kept secret|url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a26548937/prince-william-kate-middleton-northern-ireland-trip-secret-security/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126174954/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a26548937/prince-william-kate-middleton-northern-ireland-trip-secret-security/|date=27 February 2019|access-date=12 July 2024|archive-date=26 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, Catherine took the royal first salute at the Beating Retreat military pageant, a role traditionally performed by the Queen.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Perry |first=Alice |magazine=People |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-honors-troops-takes-salute-military-parade/|title=Kate Middleton steps out to honor troops as she takes the salute at spectacular military parade|date=7 June 2019 |access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=8 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608014225/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-honors-troops-takes-salute-military-parade/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2020, she and William met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and his First Lady Olena Zelenska at Buckingham Palace, the first royal engagement there since the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton meet with Ukraine's President and First Lady at Buckingham Palace|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a34299983/kate-middleton-prince-william-ukraine-president-buckingham-palace-audience/|magazine=Town and Country|first=Chloe|last=Foussianes|date=7 October 2020|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=10 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010060926/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a34299983/kate-middleton-prince-william-ukraine-president-buckingham-palace-audience/|url-status=live}}</ref> Zelenskyy later expressed his appreciation for the couple's support for Ukraine and its people.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Independent|title=Ukraine's president tweets gratitude over William and Kate's social media post|first=Tony|last=Jones|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/volodymyr-zelensky-ukraine-cambridge-buckingham-palace-first-lady-b2025517.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514104922/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/volodymyr-zelensky-ukraine-cambridge-buckingham-palace-first-lady-b2025517.html|date=1 March 2022|archive-date=14 May 2023|access-date=23 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In December, they embarked on a three‑day tour of England, Scotland, and Wales aboard the British Royal Train to recognise the work of individuals and organisations during the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid: William and Kate plan train tour to thank key workers |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55198752 |access-date=8 December 2020 |work=BBC News |date=6 December 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206134607/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55198752 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Perry |first=Simon |title=Kate Middleton and Prince William kick off final day of royal train tour with trip to a castle! |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-and-prince-williams-royal-train-moves-on-to-wales-and-a-trip-to-a-castle/ |magazine=People |access-date=8 December 2020 |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208122045/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-and-prince-williams-royal-train-moves-on-to-wales-and-a-trip-to-a-castle/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The initiative received mixed political responses: Boris Johnson expressed support, while Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon criticised the tour in light of travel restrictions; all three devolved governments had been consulted during planning.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/08/lukewarm-welcome-for-william-and-kate-in-royal-tour-of-scotland-and-wales|title=Lukewarm welcome for William and Kate in royal tour of Scotland and Wales|newspaper=The Guardian|first1=Caroline|last1=Davies|first2=Jessica|last2=Elgot|date=8 December 2020|access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208110515/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/08/lukewarm-welcome-for-william-and-kate-in-royal-tour-of-scotland-and-wales|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Neilan |first=Catherine |title=UK drops law-breaking clauses from Internal Market Bill after reaching new Brexit agreement with EU |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/12/08/brexit-news-latest-no-deal-eu-trade-talks-update/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/12/08/brexit-news-latest-no-deal-eu-trade-talks-update/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=8 December 2020 |access-date=9 December 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Catherine and William attended the G7 summit for the first time in June 2021 in Cornwall.<ref>{{cite news|last=Holden|first=Michael |title=Are you supposed to be enjoying yourselves? Queen Elizabeth asks G7 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-queen-elizabeth-hosts-biden-g7-reception-2021-06-11/|work=Reuters|date=12 June 2021|access-date=13 June 2021|archive-date=30 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730130831/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-queen-elizabeth-hosts-biden-g7-reception-2021-06-11/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During the summit, Catherine met Jill Biden for the first time, and the pair visited Connor Downs Academy, where they spoke with students and took part in a roundtable discussion on early education.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bennett |first=Kate |title=Jill Biden meets and tours school with the Duchess of Cambridge |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/10/politics/jill-biden-kate-middleton/index.html |work=CNN |date=10 June 2021 |access-date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730131223/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/10/politics/jill-biden-kate-middleton/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Glamour |first=Elizabeth|last=Logan|title=Kate Middleton gave Jill Biden a very warm welcome in the U.K.|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/kate-middleton-gave-jill-biden-a-very-warm-welcome-in-the-uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201165401/https://www.glamour.com/story/kate-middleton-gave-jill-biden-a-very-warm-welcome-in-the-uk|date=11 June 2021|access-date=25 June 2024|archive-date=1 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Outside the United Kingdom=== {{further|List of official overseas trips made by Catherine, Princess of Wales}}
[[File:Kate and William, Canada Day, 2011, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.jpg|thumb|With William in Ottawa during their first royal tour of Canada, 2011|alt=Catherine and William waving. She is wearing a red hat and a white dress along with a diamond brooch in the shape of a maple leaf.]]
Catherine and William undertook their first royal tour of Canada in June–July 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canada welcomes William and Kate as they begin first official overseas trip |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/30/canada-william-kate-first-overseas-trip|first1=Stephen|last1=Bates|first2=David|last2=Batty|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 June 2011|access-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207020454/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/30/canada-william-kate-first-overseas-trip|archive-date=7 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour included a two-day visit to California, which also marked her first trip to the United States.<ref>{{cite news|title=Royal newly-weds to visit US after Canada tour|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13291219|access-date=9 May 2011|work=BBC News|date=5 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508100445/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13291219|archive-date=8 May 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Nicholas Witchell of BBC News described the tour as an "unqualified success", noting that the couple's relaxed manner{{Spaced en dash}}from tree planting to street hockey{{Spaced en dash}}charmed the public and strengthened support for the monarchy.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title='Unstuffy royal couple' a hit on Canada tour|date=9 July 2011|access-date=25 June 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14090248|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603031827/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14090248|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2012, they toured Singapore, Malaysia, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands as part of celebrations marking Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee across the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Anita|title=Jubilee: royal trip to paradise for Duke and Duchess|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8957142/Jubilee-royal-trip-to-paradise-for-Duke-and-Duchess.html|access-date=28 October 2015|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=15 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194136/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8957142/Jubilee-royal-trip-to-paradise-for-Duke-and-Duchess.html|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> During the visit, Catherine delivered her first official speech abroad at a hospice in Malaysia, drawing on her experience as patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices.<ref>{{cite news|title=Duchess of Cambridge gives first speech abroad|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-19586208|access-date=30 October 2015|work=BBC News|date=13 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194133/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-19586208|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
The couple, accompanied by their son, visited Australia and New Zealand in April 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Royal visit: Prince William and Kate arrive in Sydney with Prince George for 10-day Australian tour|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-16/royal-visit-will-kate-prince-george-visit-australia/5394446|access-date=21 November 2020|work=ABC News|date=15 April 2014|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125202804/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-16/royal-visit-will-kate-prince-george-visit-australia/5394446|url-status=live}}</ref> Australia's prime minister, Tony Abbott, described the tour as "one of the very best royal visits" the country had hosted.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Royal tour: Prince George steals the show as support for monarchy rises|first=Nicholas|last=Witchell|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27139389|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603031246/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27139389|date=25 April 2014|access-date=24 June 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, they travelled to France to attend commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings at Gold Beach.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-and-kate-privileged-to-meet-d-day-veterans-in-normandy/|title=Prince William and Kate meet D-Day veterans in Normandy|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=6 June 2014|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516201321/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-and-kate-privileged-to-meet-d-day-veterans-in-normandy/|archive-date=16 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, they visited the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11283206/Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridge-in-the-USA-live.html|title=Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the USA: live|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Bill|last=Gardner|date=9 December 2014|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302030724/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11283206/Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridge-in-the-USA-live.html|archive-date=2 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour combined diplomatic engagements, including a visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, with events reflecting their personal interests, such as attending an NBA match between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Guardian|title=Prince William and Kate arrive in New York for three-day US visit|first=Lauren|last=Gambino|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/07/prince-william-kate-new-york-us-visit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816234213/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/07/prince-william-kate-new-york-us-visit|date=8 December 2014|access-date=26 June 2024|archive-date=16 August 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Forbes|title=Welcome to New York: Prince William and Kate Middleton's three-day American tour|first=Rachel|last=Hennessey|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelhennessey/2014/12/08/prince-william-kate-middleton-new-york-december-2014-lebron-james/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921222037/https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelhennessey/2014/12/08/prince-william-kate-middleton-new-york-december-2014-lebron-james/|date=9 December 2014|access-date=26 June 2024|archive-date=21 September 2015}}</ref>
In October 2015, Catherine attended her first state banquet at Buckingham Palace, held in honour of Chinese president Xi Jinping.<ref name="bbc profile">{{cite news |title=Profile: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge |work=BBC News |date=May 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19596679 |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-date=16 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916115258/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19596679 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Time|title=Kate Middleton wears a tiara to her first state banquet|first=Eliana|last=Dokterman|url=https://time.com/4080552/kate-middleton-tiara-first-state-banquet/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221005033/https://time.com/4080552/kate-middleton-tiara-first-state-banquet/|date=20 October 2015|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=21 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2016, she and William undertook a tour of India and Bhutan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://time.com/4287846/kate-middleton-prince-william-india-tour-pictures/|title=Scenes from Prince William and Kate's royal tour of India and Bhutan|magazine=Time|date=16 April 2016|access-date=2 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229110826/https://time.com/4287846/kate-middleton-prince-william-india-tour-pictures/|archive-date=29 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> That October, she carried out her first solo overseas visit, travelling to the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princess-kate-visits-netherlands-solo-foreign-trip-royal/story?id=42720938|title=Princess Kate Visits the Netherlands in First Solo Foreign Trip as a Royal|work=ABC News|date=11 October 2016|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508140010/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princess-kate-visits-netherlands-solo-foreign-trip-royal/story?id=42720938|archive-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the couple visited France, Poland, Germany, and Belgium.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2017/03/18/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-charm-paris-best-photos-of-a-glamorous-diplomatic-trip/#3b5242e20a9d|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William charm Paris: Best photos of a glamorous diplomatic trip|magazine=Forbes|first=Cecilia|last=Rodriguez|date=18 March 2017|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301230635/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2017/03/18/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-charm-paris-best-photos-of-a-glamorous-diplomatic-trip/#3b5242e20a9d|archive-date=1 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/g10295873/kate-william-royal-family-tour-germany-poland-2017/|title=Everything the royal family did on their tour of Germany and Poland|magazine=Town and Country|first=Caroline |last=Hallemann|date=21 July 2017|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520100438/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/g10295873/kate-william-royal-family-tour-germany-poland-2017/|archive-date=20 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/07/kate-middleton-belgium-battle-passchendaele-ceremony|title=Kate Middleton repeats an iconic look in Belgium|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Josh|last=Duboff|date=31 July 2017|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801003020/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/07/kate-middleton-belgium-battle-passchendaele-ceremony|url-status=live}}</ref> Their tour of Poland and Germany was widely regarded as successful, with author Katie Nicholl describing it as a "P.R. victory for Britain".<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Katie|last=Nicholl| title=William and Kate's European tour was a P.R. victory for Britain|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/07/kate-william-royal-tour-recap|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722004640/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/07/kate-william-royal-tour-recap|date=21 July 2017|access-date=12 July 2024|archive-date=22 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Catherine also visited Luxembourg City in May 2017 for commemorations marking the Treaty of London.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-stuns-in-powder-blue-suit-as-she-makes-solo-visit-to-luxembourg-35704078.html|title=Kate Middleton stuns in powder blue suit as she makes solo visit to Luxembourg|work=The Independent|date=11 May 2017|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301231252/https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-stuns-in-powder-blue-suit-as-she-makes-solo-visit-to-luxembourg-35704078.html|archive-date=1 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2018, the couple visited Sweden and Norway.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5124733/will-kate-swedish-royal-family/|title=See Prince William and Kate Middleton with the Swedish royal family|magazine=Time|first=Mahita|last=Gajanan|date=30 January 2018|access-date=30 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130162520/https://time.com/5124733/will-kate-swedish-royal-family/|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> They travelled to Pakistan in October 2019, the first royal visit to the country in 13 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/06/29/duke-duchess-cambridge-defy-security-fears-plan-retrace-dianas/|title=Duke and Duchess of Cambridge defy security fears with plan to retrace Diana's footsteps during royal tour of Pakistan|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah|last=Furness|date=29 June 2019|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629234744/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/06/29/duke-duchess-cambridge-defy-security-fears-plan-retrace-dianas/|archive-date=29 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour was a success, helping promote diplomatic relations with Pakistan while also reflecting the couple's personal interests in climate change and the significance of quality education.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Katie|last=Nicholl|title=How Kate Middleton and Prince William aced their "relatable" tour of Pakistan|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/10/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-last-day-pakistan-tour|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128222606/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/10/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-last-day-pakistan-tour|date=18 October 2019|archive-date=28 January 2023|access-date=25 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2020, they carried out a three‑day visit to Ireland, travelling across three counties.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William step out in Galway as they wrap first official visit to Ireland|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-step-out-in-galway-as-they-wrap-first-official-visit-to-ireland/|first=Simon|last=Perry|magazine=People|date=5 March 2020|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517090522/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-step-out-in-galway-as-they-wrap-first-official-visit-to-ireland/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2022, Catherine visited Denmark to learn about the country's approach to supporting the social and emotional development of young people and to mark milestones for both nations' monarchs.<ref name="bbc2022">{{cite news |title=Duchess of Cambridge visits outdoor school on Denmark trip |work=BBC News |date=23 February 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60491841.amp |access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225024051/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60491841.amp|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, she and William toured Belize, The Bahamas, and Jamaica as part of celebrations for Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60805565|title=William and Kate arrive in Belize for jubilee Caribbean tour|work=BBC News|first=Lauren|last=Turner|date=19 March 2022|access-date=19 March 2022|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319100106/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60805565|url-status=live}}</ref> Public demonstrations during the visit brought renewed attention to calls for reparations for slavery.<ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Nadine |date=26 March 2022 |title=Belize signals intention to remove Queen as head of state following royal visit |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/world/belize-queen-caribbean-head-of-state-b2044585.html |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=The Independent |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407192943/https://www.independent.co.uk/world/belize-queen-caribbean-head-of-state-b2044585.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Princess of Wales==
In September 2022, Catherine and William visited Anglesey and Swansea, marking their first visit to Wales since becoming Princess and Prince of Wales.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-63035829|title=Prince and Princess of Wales visit nation for first time|work=BBC News|date=28 September 2022|access-date=30 September 2022|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930042145/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-63035829|url-status=live}}</ref> Between November and December 2022, she accompanied William to Boston on their first official overseas tour as Prince and Princess of Wales, to attend the second edition of the Earthshot Prize.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk-royals-us-spotlight-william-kate-visit-2022-11-29/|title=UK royals in U.S. spotlight as William and Kate visit|work=Reuters|first1=Michael|last1=Holden|first2=Sarah|last2=Mills|date=29 November 2022|access-date=29 November 2022|archive-date=29 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129072101/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk-royals-us-spotlight-william-kate-visit-2022-11-29/|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2023, they travelled to Falmouth, their first visit to Cornwall since assuming the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William make first official visit to Cornwall since taking on new titles|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-first-official-visit-cornwall-new-titles/|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=9 February 2023|access-date=13 March 2023|archive-date=13 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313181629/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-first-official-visit-cornwall-new-titles/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2023, the couple issued a public statement condemning the 7 October attacks on Israel.<ref>{{cite news|title=King, William and Kate condemn 'horrors' of Hamas' attacks on Israel|work=The Independent|first=Laura|last=Elston|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/israel-charles-israelis-alice-hamas-b2428104.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017110115/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/israel-charles-israelis-alice-hamas-b2428104.html|date=11 October 2023|access-date=25 January 2026|archive-date=17 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> During the US state visit in September 2025, Catherine and First Lady Melania Trump presented badges and met Scouts from the ''Squirrels'' section at Frogmore Gardens, an interaction described by CNN as a "more humanising moment".<ref>{{cite news|title=Princess of Wales and Melania host Scouts at Windsor|first=Hannah|last=Furness |work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/09/18/princess-of-wales-and-melania-host-scouts-at-windsor/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250919093726/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/09/18/princess-of-wales-and-melania-host-scouts-at-windsor/|date=18 September 2025|archive-date=19 September 2025|access-date=19 September 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Melania Trump and Catherine, Princess of Wales head outside to make 'bug hotels,' with a side of diplomatic honey|work=CNN|first=Betsy |last=Klein|url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/melania-trump-princess-catherine-scouts-appearance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250919200818/https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/melania-trump-princess-catherine-scouts-appearance|date=18 September 2025|access-date=19 September 2025|archive-date=19 September 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2026, she undertook a two-day visit to Reggio Emilia as part of her work on early childhood development.<ref name="Telegraph-RE">{{cite news|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah |last=Furness|title=Princess of Wales begins post-cancer mission to study childhood worldwide|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2026/05/12/princess-of-wales-post-cancer-mission-study-childhood/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260518035927/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2026/05/12/princess-of-wales-post-cancer-mission-study-childhood/|date=12 May 2026|access-date=12 May 2026|archive-date=18 May 2026|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> This marked her first official overseas visit since her cancer diagnosis in 2024.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|first=Sean |last=Coughlan|title='Ciao Kate': Crowds cheer Catherine's comeback tour to Italy|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx21nlwrd49o|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260515044518/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx21nlwrd49o|date=14 May 2026|access-date=18 May 2026|archive-date=15 May 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Charity work== {{further|Royal Foundation}} ===Patronages=== Catherine has been involved in charitable work since before her marriage and continues to support a wide range of causes. In 2007, she curated a photography exhibition to mark the launch of ''Time to Reflect'' by Alistair Morrison, raising funds for UNICEF.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|last=Peck|first=Sally |title=Kate Middleton puts on a show for Unicef |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1570893/Kate-Middleton-puts-on-a-show-for-Unicef.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1570893/Kate-Middleton-puts-on-a-show-for-Unicef.html|date=29 November 2007|archive-date=10 January 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2008, she visited Naomi House Children's Hospice, spending time with children and staff.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|last=Rayner|first=Gordon |title=Duchess of Cambridge spends second wedding anniversary apart from Prince William|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10025588/Duchess-of-Cambridge-spends-second-wedding-anniversary-apart-from-Prince-William.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502003038/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10025588/Duchess-of-Cambridge-spends-second-wedding-anniversary-apart-from-Prince-William.html|date=29 April 2013|access-date=29 June 2024|archive-date=2 May 2013|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, she organised a 1980s-themed roller disco fundraiser that raised £100,000, divided between Oxford Children's Hospital and the mental-health charity Place2Be.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|last=Simpson |first=Aislinn|title=Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton dons 1980s rollerskating gear|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2978605/Prince-Williams-girlfriend-Kate-Middleton-dons-1980s-rollerskating-gear.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2978605/Prince-Williams-girlfriend-Kate-Middleton-dons-1980s-rollerskating-gear.html|date=17 September 2008|access-date=20 October 2020|archive-date=10 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> While working for her parents' company, she organised events for the Starlight Children's Foundation, which supports seriously ill young people,<ref>{{cite news|last=Eden|first=Richard|title=Duchess of Cornwall takes Kate Middleton's charity to her heart|access-date=20 October 2020|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/6797605/Duchess-of-Cornwall-takes-Kate-Middletons-charity-to-her-heart.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/6797605/Duchess-of-Cornwall-takes-Kate-Middletons-charity-to-her-heart.html|date=12 December 2009|archive-date=10 January 2022|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and helped coordinate the Boodles Boxing Ball, which raised funds for the charity.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edwards|first=Richard|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton take ringside seats at boxing ball|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2094794/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-take-ringside-seats-at-boxing-ball.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2094794/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-take-ringside-seats-at-boxing-ball.html|date=8 June 2008|archive-date=10 January 2022|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
[[File:The Duke and Duchess Cambridge at Commonwealth Big Lunch on 22 March 2018 - 120.jpg|thumb|With William attending a Commonwealth Big Lunch at St Luke's Community Centre in Islington, March 2018|alt=Catherine and William talking to people over lunch]] Following her marriage, Catherine assumed royal duties in support of the British monarch.<ref name="Nicholl2021">{{cite magazine|last=Nicholl|first=Katie|date=29 April 2021|title=After a decade as a Duchess, Kate Middleton has more 'quiet confidence' than ever |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/04/kate-middleton-has-more-quiet-confidence-than-ever|magazine=Vanity Fair|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122103135/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/04/kate-middleton-has-more-quiet-confidence-than-ever|archive-date=22 January 2025|access-date=24 July 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2011, she and William established a gift fund through The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, enabling well‑wishers to donate to 26 selected charities in lieu of wedding gifts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Royal wedding: William and Kate ask for donations to charity|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/mar/16/royal-wedding-donations-charity-presents|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Stephen|last=Bates|date=16 March 2011|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111220/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/mar/16/royal-wedding-donations-charity-presents|archive-date=15 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8385866/William-and-Kate-ask-for-charity-donations-in-lieu-of-wedding-gifts.html|title=William and Catherine ask for charity donations in lieu of wedding gifts|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=16 March 2011|access-date=4 February 2012|first=Victoria|last=Ward|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903125751/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8385866/William-and-Kate-ask-for-charity-donations-in-lieu-of-wedding-gifts.html|archive-date=3 September 2011|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-wedding-fund-idUSTRE72F3BK20110316|title=William and Catherine set up royal wedding charity fund|work=Reuters|date=16 March 2011|access-date=4 February 2012|first=Michael|last=Holden|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114000536/https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/16/us-britain-wedding-fund-idUSTRE72F3BK20110316|archive-date=14 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The foundation was renamed in June 2012 to reflect Catherine's involvement,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9406891/Kate-effect-boosts-Princes-charity-by-4.2m.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Gordon|last=Rayner|title='Kate effect' boosts Princes' charity by £4.2m|date=17 July 2012|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301164344/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9406891/Kate-effect-boosts-Princes-charity-by-4.2m.html|archive-date=1 March 2018|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> and became The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales in September 2022.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Independent|first=Kate|last=Ng|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-william-kate-royal-foundation-b2164784.html|title=William and Kate update name of Royal Foundation to include new titles|date=11 September 2022 |access-date=2 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924181329/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-william-kate-royal-foundation-b2164784.html|archive-date=24 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Catherine's charitable work focuses primarily on early childhood, mental health, sport, addiction, and the arts.<ref name="Scout-Tel" /> Her influence on charitable fundraising and public engagement has been described as the "Kate effect".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-suffolk-18956563|title='Kate effect' boost for East Anglia's Children's Hospices|date= 23 July 2012|access-date=26 December 2021|work=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226051049/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-suffolk-18956563|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rayner|first=Gordan|title='Kate effect' boosts Princes' charity by £4.2m|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9406891/Kate-effect-boosts-Princes-charity-by-4.2m.html|access-date=25 February 2021|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=12 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226042944/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9406891/Kate-effect-boosts-Princes-charity-by-4.2m.html|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> She holds a number of patronages.{{efn|Among her patronages are Evelina London Children's Hospital, Family Action, the Natural History Museum, NHS Charities Together, SportsAid, the Scouts, the 1851 Trust, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16411358|title=Duchess of Cambridge announces charity patronages|work=BBC News|date=5 January 2012|access-date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320071651/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16411358|archive-date=20 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/kate-calls-for-society-to-help-women-and-families-affected-by-perinatal-mental-health-challenges-12606244|title=Kate calls for society to help women and families affected by perinatal mental health challenges|work=Sky News|first=Rhiannon|last=Mills|date=6 May 2022|access-date=6 May 2022|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506054449/https://news.sky.com/story/amp/kate-calls-for-society-to-help-women-and-families-affected-by-perinatal-mental-health-challenges-12606244|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Duchess of Cambridge becomes sailing charity patron|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29595532|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731094249/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29595532|date=13 October 2014|access-date=4 May 2024|archive-date=31 July 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Drawing on her background in art history, she selected The Art Room{{Spaced en dash}}an organisation that provided art therapy for disadvantaged children before its closure<ref>{{cite news|title=Duchess of Cambridge-backed charity The Art Room set to close|work=BBC News|date=30 January 2020|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-51308708|access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226043257/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-51308708|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Spaced en dash}}as one of her early patronages, and also became patron of the National Portrait Gallery.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/01/04/world/europe/uk-royal-middleton-charities/index.html|title=Catherine unveils her chosen charity causes|work=CNN|first=Max|last=Foster|date=5 January 2012|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525132741/https://www.cnn.com/2012/01/04/world/europe/uk-royal-middleton-charities/index.html|archive-date=25 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She later assumed patronage of the Lawn Tennis Association, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Action for Children, and the Royal Photographic Society following their transfer from Queen Elizabeth II.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princess-kate-attends-1st-wimbledon-royal-patron/story?id=48352291|title=Princess Kate attends her 1st Wimbledon as royal patron|work=ABC News|date=3 July 2017|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718130952/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princess-kate-attends-1st-wimbledon-royal-patron/story?id=48352291|archive-date=18 July 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-steps-down-as-patron-of-25-charities/|title=Queen Elizabeth steps down as patron of 25 charities — find out what she handed to princess Kate|magazine=People |access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117153221/https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-steps-down-as-patron-of-25-charities/|archive-date=17 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-receives-royal-photographic-society-patronage-queen-elizabeth/|title=Queen Elizabeth just gave Kate Middleton something she's held onto for 67 Years!|magazine=People|first=Stephanie|last=Petit|date=25 June 2019|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322213344/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-receives-royal-photographic-society-patronage-queen-elizabeth/|archive-date=22 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, she became the first royal patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum and curated a small display for it in July 2025.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/duchess-kate-becomes-first-royal-patron-of-the-victoria-albert-museum/|title=Kate Middleton becomes first royal patron of the Victoria & Albert Museum|magazine=People|date=28 March 2018|access-date=31 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713003940/https://people.com/royals/duchess-kate-becomes-first-royal-patron-of-the-victoria-albert-museum/|archive-date=13 July 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Princess of Wales displays Beatrix Potter's art in V&A exhibit|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Albert|last=Tait |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/07/30/princess-of-wales-displays-relative-beatrix-potters-art/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731131440/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/07/30/princess-of-wales-displays-relative-beatrix-potters-art/|date=30 July 2025|access-date=31 July 2025|archive-date=31 July 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> She became patron of the Foundling Museum which commemorates the Foundling Hospital, in 2019.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-art-foundling-museum/|title=Kate Middleton arrives solo for museum visit hours after rare joint appearance with the Queen|first=Simon|last=Perry|access-date=1 May 2024|magazine=People|date=19 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127172810/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-art-foundling-museum/|archive-date=27 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Catherine also served as a local volunteer leader with The Scout Association in north Wales,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8992650/Kate-Middleton-to-be-a-Scout-leader-as-well-as-patron-of-four-charities.html |title=Duchess of Cambridge to be a Scout leader as well as patron of four charities |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=5 January 2013 |access-date=21 January 2013|last=Alleyne |first=Richard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003152832/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8992650/Kate-Middleton-to-be-a-Scout-leader-as-well-as-patron-of-four-charities.html |archive-date=3 October 2013|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> before being appointed co-president in September 2020 alongside the Duke of Kent.<ref name="Scout-Tel">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8992719/The-charities-chosen-by-the-Kate-Middleton.html|title=The charities chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Richard|last=Alleyne|date=5 January 2012|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525201226/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8992719/The-charities-chosen-by-the-Kate-Middleton.html|archive-date=25 May 2018|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://observer.com/2020/09/kate-middleton-visit-cub-scouts-association-children-outdoors-london-honored-president/|title=Kate Middleton received a special honor while roasting marshmallows|work=Observer|first=Morgan|last=Halberg|date=29 September 2020|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202222658/https://observer.com/2020/09/kate-middleton-visit-cub-scouts-association-children-outdoors-london-honored-president/|archive-date=2 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Sport=== [[File:Elena Rybakina & Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (52206418833).jpg|thumb|left|Presenting the ladies' singles trophy to Elena Rybakina at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships|alt=Catherine congratulating a female tennis player]] Catherine is a keen sportswoman and attends Wimbledon annually.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/every-time-kate-middleton-proved-shes-the-sportiest-royal|title=Every time Kate Middleton proved she's the sportiest royal|magazine=Vogue|first=Radhika|last=Seth|date=1 August 2022|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009181558/https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/every-time-kate-middleton-proved-shes-the-sportiest-royal|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5616089/royals-at-wimbledon/|title=The history behind the royal family's connection to Wimbledon|magazine=Time|first=Rachel E.|last=Greenspan|date=5 July 2019|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=14 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514110922/https://time.com/5616089/royals-at-wimbledon/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Bethan|last=Holt| title=The Princess of Wales proves no one does Wimbledon style like her|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/royals/princess-of-wales-wimbledon-purple-dress-charlotte/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714163340/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/royals/princess-of-wales-wimbledon-purple-dress-charlotte/|date=14 July 2024|access-date=14 July 2024|archive-date=14 July 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> She has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Duboff |first=Josh |title=Kate Middleton makes a surprise appearance at Wimbledon—and out on Court 14 |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/07/kate-middleton-wimbledon-surprise-appearance-court-14 |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226055515/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/07/kate-middleton-wimbledon-surprise-appearance-court-14|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> An enthusiastic sailor, she has occasionally taken part in charity sailing events to raise funds for various causes.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/09/kate-middleton-teaching-her-children-to-sail|title=Kate Middleton is teaching her children how to sail|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Katie|last=Nicholl|date=1 September 2021|access-date=31 July 2022|archive-date=14 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814192921/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/09/kate-middleton-teaching-her-children-to-sail|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, she, William and his brother Harry, launched Coach Core, a programme established after the 2012 Olympics to provide apprenticeships for young people aspiring to careers in sports coaching.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-visit-coach-core/|title=Kate Middleton debuts a brand new look for the gym (in heels!)|magazine=People|first=Stephanie|last=Petit|date=30 October 2018|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215163237/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-visit-coach-core/|archive-date=15 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, she and William were awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/11151119/Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridge-join-Lords-cricket-elite-as-honorary-life-members-of-MCC.html|title=Duke and Duchess of Cambridge join Lord's cricket elite as honorary life members of MCC|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Gordon|last=Rayner|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317203843/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/11151119/Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridge-join-Lords-cricket-elite-as-honorary-life-members-of-MCC.html|date=9 October 2014|archive-date=17 March 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In July 2019, she supported Backyard Nature, a campaign encouraging children, families, and communities to engage with the natural world.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-supports-backyard-nature-campaign/|title=Kate Middleton inspires kids to spend time in nature: 'The great outdoors is an open playground'|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=9 July 2019|access-date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711051309/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-supports-backyard-nature-campaign/|archive-date=11 July 2019}}</ref> In February 2022, she became patron of the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League, roles previously held by Harry.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60218576 |title=Kate takes over from Harry as royal rugby patron |last=Coghlan |first=Sean |date=2 February 2022 |work=BBC News |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203140744/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60218576|archive-date=3 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Military and armed forces=== In 2014, Catherine wrote the foreword for ''Living in the Slipstream: Life as an RAF Wife'', with proceeds supporting charity.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Bridgeman |first=J. |title=Kate Middleton pens first literary piece in book for like-minded women |url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-pens-first-literary-piece-in-book-for-likeminded-women-106058 |magazine=Marie Claire UK |date=5 February 2014 |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226060507/https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-pens-first-literary-piece-in-book-for-likeminded-women-106058|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2015, she assumed patronage of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/12055037/Kate-Middleton-beams-as-Prince-Philip-passes-RAF-Air-Cadets-patronage-on-to-her.html|title=Kate Middleton beams as Prince Philip passes RAF Air Cadets patronage on to her|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=16 December 2015|access-date=1 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703060757/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/12055037/Kate-Middleton-beams-as-Prince-Philip-passes-RAF-Air-Cadets-patronage-on-to-her.html|archive-date=3 July 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> following the Duke of Edinburgh's 63‑year tenure. The handover took place during an audience at Buckingham Palace.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35114923 |title=Duchess of Cambridge becomes RAF Air Cadets patron|work=BBC News|date=16 December 2015|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804205353/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35114923 |archive-date=4 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She has since visited their base in Cambridgeshire<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Duboff |first=Josh |title=Of course Kate Middleton wore red for her solo Valentine's Day trip |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/02/kate-middleton-valentines-day-red-air-cadets |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226060705/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/02/kate-middleton-valentines-day-red-air-cadets|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> and marked their 75th anniversary in 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Duboff |first=Josh |title=Kate Middleton reveals what Prince George wants to be when he's older |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/02/prince-george-kate-middleton-air-force-cadets |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226060904/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/02/prince-george-kate-middleton-air-force-cadets|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2022, she became patron of Preet Chandi, a British Army medical officer undertaking a 1,000‑mile solo expedition to the South Pole after completing a 700‑mile journey earlier that year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-63407263|title=South Pole trekker receives Princess of Wales support|work=BBC News|first=Tom|last=Oakley|date=26 October 2022|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026190535/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-63407263|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Health and medical initiatives=== As patron of Action on Addiction, Catherine has made visits to its centres, spending time with people in recovery.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/03/kate-middleton-drug-addicts_n_1253529.html|title=Kate Middleton visits recovering drug addicts at charity visit|work=Huffington Post|date=3 February 2012|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422151739/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/03/kate-middleton-drug-addicts_n_1253529.html|archive-date=22 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kate Middleton is back home! The royal mom steps out in blue after her snowy tour|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-is-back-home-the-royal-mom-steps-out-in-blue-after-her-snowy-tour/|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=7 February 2018|access-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119054553/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-is-back-home-the-royal-mom-steps-out-in-blue-after-her-snowy-tour/|archive-date=19 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Watch Kate Middleton virtually visit an addiction treatment center |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a32800340/kate-middleton-addiction-treatment-center-visit-video/|magazine=Town & Country|first=Annie|last=Goldsmith|date=8 June 2020 |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226043714/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a32800340/kate-middleton-addiction-treatment-center-visit-video/|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2012, she helped launch the M‑PACT programme (Moving Parents and Children Together), one of the few UK initiatives addressing the impact of parental addiction on families.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9611441/Duchess-of-Cambridge-gives-addiction-charity-royal-support.html |title=Duchess of Cambridge gives addiction charity royal support |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 October 2012 |access-date=30 October 2015 |first=Olivia |last=Parker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030181931/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9611441/Duchess-of-Cambridge-gives-addiction-charity-royal-support.html |archive-date=30 October 2014 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> In June 2021, she became patron of The Forward Trust following its merger with Action on Addiction,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a41809193/kate-middleton-addiction-video/|title=Kate Middleton speaks to those struggling with addiction in new video message|magazine=Town & Country|first=Victoria|last=Murphy|date=29 October 2022|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208163329/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a41809193/kate-middleton-addiction-video/|archive-date=8 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> and subsequently launched the "Taking Action on Addiction".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/19/uk/duchess-of-cambridge-addiction-campaign-scli-intl-gbr/index.html|title=Duchess of Cambridge says addiction can 'happen to any of us'|work=CNN|first1=Niamh|last1=Kennedy|first2=Jack|last2=Guy|date=19 October 2021|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214033348/https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/19/uk/duchess-of-cambridge-addiction-campaign-scli-intl-gbr/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2018, locks of Catherine's hair were reportedly donated anonymously to the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for children with cancer.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/news/kate-middleton-secretly-donated-her-hair-to-charity/|title=Kate Middleton cut her hair into a lob for this touching reason|magazine=US|first=Roxanne|last=Adamiyatt|date=30 January 2018|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525053656/https://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/news/kate-middleton-secretly-donated-her-hair-to-charity/|archive-date=25 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, she became patron of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-at-royal-college-obstetricians/|title=Mom with a Mission: Pregnant Kate Middleton tackles stigma around maternal and newborn fatalities|magazine=People|first1=Erin|last1=Hill|first2=Simon|last2=Perry|date=27 February 2018|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108212838/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-at-royal-college-obstetricians/|archive-date=8 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="N-Now">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/duchess-cambridge-pays-sartorial-tribute-nurses-launches-nursing/|title=The Duchess of Cambridge pays sartorial tribute to nurses as she launches Nursing Now campaign|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Olivia|last=Buxton Smith|date=27 February 2018|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301080738/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/duchess-cambridge-pays-sartorial-tribute-nurses-launches-nursing/|archive-date=1 March 2018|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> She also launched Nursing Now, a three-year global campaign to raise the profile of nursing.<ref>{{cite news|last=Blott|first=U.|title=The Duchess of Cambridge says Prince William is 'in denial' about third child|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=12004111|access-date=6 March 2018|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306101437/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=12004111|archive-date=6 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Pearl|first=Diana|title=Kate is glowing! See every photo from the royal mom's outing to empower nurses|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-is-glowing-see-every-photo-from-the-royal-moms-outing-to-empower-nurses/|access-date=1 June 2024|magazine=People|date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408173934/https://people.com/royals/kate-is-glowing-see-every-photo-from-the-royal-moms-outing-to-empower-nurses/|archive-date=8 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Catherine has written about her family's nursing heritage: her grandmother, Valerie Middleton, and great-grandmother, Olive Middleton, both served as VAD nurses with the British Red Cross.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ward |first=Victoria |title=Duchess hails Red Cross as part of her family |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/08/03/duchess-cambridge-reveals-red-cross-nurse-past-grandmother/ |access-date=6 August 2020 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226061321/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/08/03/duchess-cambridge-reveals-red-cross-nurse-past-grandmother/|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="N-Now" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Furness|first=Hannah|title=Duchess of Cambridge to become champion of nurses|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/15/duchess-cambridge-become-champion-nurses/|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=15 February 2018|access-date=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409142727/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/15/duchess-cambridge-become-champion-nurses/|archive-date=9 April 2018|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> During the COVID-19 pandemic, she undertook numerous in-person and virtual engagements supporting National Health Service workers<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Taylor |first=Elise |title=Is Kate Middleton now the firm's greatest asset? |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/is-kate-middleton-now-the-firms-greatest-asset |magazine=Vogue |date=11 May 2021 |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226061823/https://www.vogue.com/article/is-kate-middleton-now-the-firms-greatest-asset|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Nicholl2021"/> and discreetly volunteered with the Royal Voluntary Service.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Kate Middleton secretly volunteered during pandemic with calls to caregiver: 'Call Me Catherine' |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-secretly-volunteered-during-coronavirus-pandemic-calls-carer-len-gardner/ |magazine=People |access-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226063752/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-secretly-volunteered-during-coronavirus-pandemic-calls-carer-len-gardner/|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Catherine has worked extensively in children's palliative care through her patronage of East Anglia's Children's Hospices.<ref name="t&c2021">{{cite magazine |last=Murphy |first=Victoria |title=Kate Middleton made an "emotional" visit to a children's hospice this morning |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a29812218/kate-middleton-emotional-nook-hospice-visit-photos/ |magazine=Town & Country |date=15 November 2019|access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226044509/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a29812218/kate-middleton-emotional-nook-hospice-visit-photos/|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Nicholl |first=Katie |title=Kate Middleton gets her hands dirty for children's hospice visit |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/06/kate-middleton-hospice-visit|magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226044948/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/06/kate-middleton-hospice-visit|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> She has supported Children's Hospice Week annually since 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/kate-middleton-childrens-hospices-shining-lights-7549382|magazine=People|title=Kate Middleton hails children's hospices as 'shining lights' in 'darkest times'|date=19 June 2023|access-date=1 May 2024|first=Simon|last=Perry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214025045/https://people.com/kate-middleton-childrens-hospices-shining-lights-7549382|archive-date=14 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2025, she was announced as joint royal patron of the Royal Marsden Hospital alongside William, who has been its president since 2007.<ref name="Jan2025">{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah |last=Furness|title=Princess of Wales visits cancer hospital where she was treated|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/01/14/princess-wales-visit-royal-marsden-first-solo-chemotherapy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114133907/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/01/14/princess-wales-visit-royal-marsden-first-solo-chemotherapy/|date=14 January 2025|access-date=14 January 2025|archive-date=14 January 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, she became patron of Tŷ Hafan, a children's hospice in Wales.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria |last=Ward|title=Princess of Wales follows footsteps of Diana and King to become patron of children's hospice|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/01/30/princess-of-wales-follows-footsteps-diana-and-king-patron/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130153228/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/01/30/princess-of-wales-follows-footsteps-diana-and-king-patron/|date=30 January 2025|access-date=30 January 2025|archive-date=30 January 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Photography=== Catherine describes herself as an "enthusiastic amateur photographer",<ref>{{cite news |first1=Megan C. |last1=Hills |first2=Gareth |last2=Richman |title=Kate Middleton behind the camera: Analysing the Duchess of Cambridge's photography |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/royals/kate-middleton-photographs-prince-george-louis-princess-charlotte-birthday-christmas-portraits-a4137231.html |work=Evening Standard |date=28 January 2020 |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226064347/https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/royals/kate-middleton-photographs-prince-george-louis-princess-charlotte-birthday-christmas-portraits-a4137231.html|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> and has taken official portraits of her children and other members of the royal family.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Proudfoot |first=Jenny |title=This is why Kate Middleton always takes her children's official photographs |url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/kate-middleton-childrens-photos-611913 |magazine=Marie Claire UK |date=23 April 2021 |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226064742/https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/kate-middleton-childrens-photos-611913|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, she supported workshops run by the Royal Photographic Society and Action for Children, highlighting photography's role in helping young people express their thoughts and experiences.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-photography-workshop-summer-dress/|title=Kate Middleton steps out in a breezy summer dress to support one of her favorite hobbies|magazine=People|first=Erin|last=Hill|date=25 June 2019|access-date=9 July 2022|archive-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709054443/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-photography-workshop-summer-dress/|url-status=live}}</ref> As patron of the Royal Photographic Society, she contributed to an exhibition marking 75 years since the end of the Holocaust.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Kate Middleton got behind the camera to take photos of Holocaust survivors: See the striking images |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-takes-photos-holocaust-survivors/ |magazine=People |date=26 January 2020 |access-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331140310/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-takes-photos-holocaust-survivors/ |archive-date=31 March 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her portraits of Holocaust survivors were later displayed at the Imperial War Museum.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a37244405/kate-middleton-holocaust-portraits-imperial-war-museums-photo/|title=Kate Middleton shares a behind-the-scenes photo as she takes part in new exhibit|magazine=Town & Country|first=Annie|last=Goldsmith|date=6 August 2021|access-date=6 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226065257/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a37244405/kate-middleton-holocaust-portraits-imperial-war-museums-photo/|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> She curated an exhibition of Victorian photography at the National Portrait Gallery with a thematic focus on childhood.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Silverman |first=Leah |title=The Duchess of Cambridge to Curate a Show at the National Portrait Gallery |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a18212500/kate-middleton-art-show-national-portrait-gallery/ |magazine=Town & Country |date=16 February 2018 |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226074930/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a18212500/kate-middleton-art-show-national-portrait-gallery/|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2020, she launched "Hold Still", a project documenting life during the COVID-19 lockdown, which received 31,000 submissions.<ref name="ITV">{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/thismorning/hot-topics/the-duchess-of-cambridge-launches-hold-still-project|title=The Duchess of Cambridge launches Hold Still project|work=ITV|date=7 May 2020|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516024612/https://www.itv.com/thismorning/hot-topics/the-duchess-of-cambridge-launches-hold-still-project|archive-date=16 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In October, selected portraits were displayed across 112 public sites in 80 towns and cities.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Foussianes |first=Chloe |title=Kate Middleton wore a red Alexander McQueen coat to mark the launch of her Hold Still photo show |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a34425134/kate-middleton-red-coat-alexander-mcqueen-hold-still-photo/ |access-date=27 October 2020 |magazine=Town & Country |date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226081148/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a34425134/kate-middleton-red-coat-alexander-mcqueen-hold-still-photo/|archive-date=26 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The images were later published in the book ''Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020'', with a foreword written by Catherine, on 7 May 2021.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|title=Duchess of Cambridge launches photobook capturing loss and challenges of Covid crisis|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/03/28/duchess-cambridge-launches-photobook-capturing-loss-challenges/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204014348/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/03/28/duchess-cambridge-launches-photobook-capturing-loss-challenges/ |date=28 March 2021|access-date=4 July 2024|archive-date=4 December 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Community causes=== Since December 2021, Catherine has hosted the annual ''Together at Christmas'' carol service at Westminster Abbey, with each year's event centred on a different theme.<ref name="Christmas Carols"> *{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/12/15/princess-wales-christmas-carol-concert-westminster-abbey-george/|title=Prince and Princess of Wales put on a united front at Christmas carol concert|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah|last=Furness|date=15 December 2022|access-date=15 December 2022|archive-date=15 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215183029/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/12/15/princess-wales-christmas-carol-concert-westminster-abbey-george/|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}} *{{cite magazine|title=Kate Middleton plays royal hostess at her third Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey|magazine=People|first=Stephanie|last=Petit|url=https://people.com/kate-middleton-hosts-third-christmas-carol-concert-westminster-abbey-8407067|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208164210/https://people.com/kate-middleton-hosts-third-christmas-carol-concert-westminster-abbey-8407067|date=8 December 2023|access-date=8 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|url-status=live}} *{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=Princess of Wales holds carol concert with cancer patients as William speaks of 'those who walked in darkness'|first=Hannah |last=Furness|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/12/06/royals-princess-wales-christmas-carol-service/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206175658/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/12/06/royals-princess-wales-christmas-carol-service/|date=6 December 2024|access-date=6 December 2024|archive-date=6 December 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}} *{{cite news|title=Catherine joined by stars and charity heroes for Christmas carol concert|work=BBC News|first=Sean|last=Coughlan|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn41lqjlw3wo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206060133/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn41lqjlw3wo|date=5 December 2025|access-date=5 December 2025|archive-date=6 December 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, she and William made a donation to support refugees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/03/03/queen-makes-generous-private-donation-ukraine-fund-show-royal/ |title=The Queen makes 'generous' private donation to Ukraine fund as Royal family shows its support |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |first=Hannah |last=Furness |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=5 March 2022 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305182024/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/03/03/queen-makes-generous-private-donation-ukraine-fund-show-royal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They donated again in February 2023 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) following the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64568254|title=Turkey-Syria earthquake: King thanked for 'generous' donation to DEC disaster appeal|work=BBC News|first1=Charley|last1=Adams|first2=Emily|last2=McGarvey|date=9 February 2023|access-date=9 February 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208220228/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64568254|url-status=live}}</ref> and in July 2024 to support communities affected by Hurricane Beryl.<ref>{{cite news|title=William and Kate to donate privately to Hurricane Beryl relief efforts|work=The Independent |first=Ted|last=Hennessey|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/venezuela-hurricane-beryl-grenada-st-vincent-prince-b2573557.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704035904/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/venezuela-hurricane-beryl-grenada-st-vincent-prince-b2573557.html|date=3 July 2024|access-date=4 July 2024|archive-date=4 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Environmental causes=== Catherine has emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability and the benefits of spending time in nature.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Erin|last=Vanderhoof |title=Kate Middleton wants everyone to "reconnect with nature," she says in new statement |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/kate-middleton-wants-everyone-to-reconnect-with-nature-she-says-in-new-statement|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214120118/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/kate-middleton-wants-everyone-to-reconnect-with-nature-she-says-in-new-statement|date=19 July 2024|access-date=18 April 2025|archive-date=14 February 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah |last=Furness|title=Why Kate is putting nature at the heart of her return to public life|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/17/why-nature-will-be-at-the-heart-of-kates-return/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418051022/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/17/why-nature-will-be-at-the-heart-of-kates-return/|date=17 April 2025|access-date=18 April 2025|archive-date=18 April 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, she designed the "Back to Nature Garden" with the landscape architects Andree Davies and Adam White.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/05/20/george-gives-duchess-cambridge-20-10-chelsea-garden/|title=George gives Duchess of Cambridge '20 out of 10' for her Chelsea garden|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah|last=Furness|date=20 May 2019|access-date=20 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520212616/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/05/20/george-gives-duchess-cambridge-20-10-chelsea-garden/|archive-date=20 May 2019|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48329425|title=Chelsea Flower Show: Duchess visits garden with schoolchildren|work=BBC News|date=20 May 2019|access-date=20 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520014050/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48329425|archive-date=20 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The garden was later expanded and displayed at Hampton Court Palace as a part of the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-hosts-children-garden-new-bigger-location-hampton-court-palace/|title=Kate Middleton hosts picnic for children in her specially designed garden — at a palace!|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=1 July 2019|access-date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711051239/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-hosts-children-garden-new-bigger-location-hampton-court-palace/|archive-date=11 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> before being shown at the Back to Nature Festival at RHS Garden Wisley.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a28912037/kate-middleton-garden-playground-rhs-wisley-flower-show/|title=Kate Middleton's new garden design has a hedgehog-shaped treehouse|magazine=Town & Country|first=Chloe|last=Foussianes|date=4 September 2019|access-date=7 January 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220225030230/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a28912037/kate-middleton-garden-playground-rhs-wisley-flower-show/|archive-date=25 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> A playground inspired by the garden opened on the Sandringham Estate in 2021.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Coke |first=Hope |title=New Sandringham playground emulates Kate's Chelsea Flower Show garden|url=https://www.tatler.com/article/duchess-of-cambridge-garden-inspired-new-sandringham-playground|magazine=Tatler |date=23 April 2021|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203041504/https://www.tatler.com/article/duchess-of-cambridge-garden-inspired-new-sandringham-playground|archive-date=3 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2023, Catherine hosted the first children's picnic at the Chelsea Flower Show for pupils from ten primary schools participating in the Royal Horticultural Society's Campaign for School Gardening.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65672382|title=Chelsea Flower Show: King views tributes to late Queen at flower show|work=BBC News|first=Andre|last=Rhoden-Paul|date=22 May 2023|access-date=24 May 2023|archive-date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523134624/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65672382|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-surprises-school-children-chelsea-flower-show-picnic-photos/|title=Kate Middleton surprises school children — and joins a bug hunt! — at Chelsea Flower Show|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=22 May 2023|access-date=24 May 2023|archive-date=25 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525050007/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-surprises-school-children-chelsea-flower-show-picnic-photos/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Mental health advocacy=== [[File:Princess of Wales visits HMP High Down.jpg|thumb|At HM Prison High Down, September 2023|alt=Catherine speaks with authorities outside a men's resettlement prison]] Catherine has addressed issues surrounding mental health and disability, and has visited charities and hospitals such as St Thomas' Hospital and the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute to meet mothers and children affected by these challenges.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/photos/kate-middleton-duchess-cambridge-style-12598288/image-kate-middleton-visits-st-thomas-hospital-37547214 |title=Kate Middleton visits St Thomas' hospital |work=ABC News |access-date=6 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807002152/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/photos/kate-middleton-duchess-cambridge-style-12598288/image-kate-middleton-visits-st-thomas-hospital-37547214 |archive-date=7 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/25/pictures-day-25-january-2018/catherine-duchess-cambridge-visits-maurice-wohl-clinical-neuroscience/|title=Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Centre |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=6 August 2018|date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807003110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/25/pictures-day-25-january-2018/catherine-duchess-cambridge-visits-maurice-wohl-clinical-neuroscience/ |archive-date=7 August 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}}</ref> She has been credited with raising national awareness of children's mental health; Benita Refson, president of Place2Be, said she would "shine the spotlight on child mental health", while Peter Fonagy, CEO of the Anna Freud Centre, described her as one of the most important figures in the field and stated that "to the millions of children who have been suffering in silence, she is their voice".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-story/our-royal-patron.aspx|title=Our Royal Patron |website=Place2Be|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525133330/https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-story/our-royal-patron.aspx |archive-date=25 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="annafr">{{cite magazine |last=Nicholl |first=Katie |title=When it comes to children's mental health, Kate Middleton is the "most important woman in the world" |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/05/kate-middleton-childrens-mental-health-center |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105114738/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/05/kate-middleton-childrens-mental-health-center|archive-date=5 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In recognition of their work with charities focused on children's mental health, Catherine and William received the Gold ''Blue Peter'' badge, an award previously granted to Queen Elizabeth II.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.instyle.com/news/kate-middleton-prince-william-gold-blue-peter-badge|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William now share a huge honor with Queen Elizabeth|magazine=InStyle|first=Alexandra|last=Whittaker|date=12 December 2017|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525133316/https://www.instyle.com/news/kate-middleton-prince-william-gold-blue-peter-badge|archive-date=25 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> To encourage people to speak openly about mental health, Catherine, William, and Harry launched the ''Heads Together'' campaign in April 2016.<ref name="Together-2016">{{cite news |last=Samuelson |first=Kate |date=25 August 2017 |title=How Princes William and Harry are carrying on causes close to Princess Diana's heart |url=https://time.com/4899497/princess-diana-prince-william-harry-legacy/ |url-status=live |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607164831/https://time.com/4899497/princess-diana-prince-william-harry-legacy/ |archive-date=7 June 2018 |access-date=24 July 2021}}</ref> She later spoke publicly about her own experiences of motherhood, noting periods of "lack of confidence" and "feelings of ignorance".<ref name="Together-2016"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/kate-middleton-motherhood-speech|title=Kate Middleton admits that parenting is hard—Even for a princess|magazine=Vogue|first=Patricia|last=Garcia|date=23 March 2017|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123114226/https://www.vogue.com/article/kate-middleton-motherhood-speech|archive-date=23 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Catherine has discussed her experiences of "mum guilt" in balancing work and family life, and described bringing her newborn home from hospital for the first time as "terrifying".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Perry |first=Simon |title=Why Kate Middleton decided to speak out about motherhood: 'This is not a vanity exercise|url=https://people.com/royals/why-kate-middleton-decided-to-speak-out-about-motherhood-this-is-not-a-vanity-exercise/|magazine=People |date=19 February 2020 |access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322165049/https://people.com/royals/why-kate-middleton-decided-to-speak-out-about-motherhood-this-is-not-a-vanity-exercise/|archive-date=22 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> She has highlighted the importance of "a happy home" and "a safe environment" for children, and has spoken of her "passion" for the outdoors as a foundation for childhood wellbeing and development.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mackelden |first=Amy |title=Kate Middleton appears on her first ever podcast to discuss motherhood |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a30930652/kate-middleton-first-podcast-happy-mum-happy-baby/ |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |date=14 February 2020 |access-date=19 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105120120/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a30930652/kate-middleton-first-podcast-happy-mum-happy-baby/|archive-date=5 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> She launched the ''Mentally Healthy Schools'' website, which provides resources for staff and pupils to support mental health.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.headstogether.org.uk/schools/|title=The Duchess launches Heads Together's new mental health project for young children|website=Heads Together|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525134315/https://www.headstogether.org.uk/schools/|archive-date=25 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> After two years, the site had been accessed by more than 250,000 visitors.<ref>{{cite news |last=Durand |first=Carolyn |title=Princess Kate launches mental health program for schools: 'My own commitment is to the youngest and most vulnerable' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princess-kate-launches-mental-health-program-schools-commitment/story?id=52544635 |access-date=26 October 2020 |work=ABC News |date=23 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105120354/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/princess-kate-launches-mental-health-program-schools-commitment/story?id=52544635|archive-date=5 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mentally Healthy Schools |url=https://royalfoundation.com/programme/mentally-healthy-schools/ |website=The Royal Foundation |access-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105120459/https://royalfoundation.com/programme/mentally-healthy-schools/|archive-date=5 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Catherine also guest-edited ''HuffPost'' ''UK'' to raise awareness for children's mental health issues.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Gordon|last=Rayner|title=Duchess of Cambridge to guest edit Huffington Post to raise awareness of child mental health issues|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/12102498/Duchess-of-Cambridge-to-guest-edit-Huffington-Post-to-raise-awareness-of-child-mental-health-issues.html/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018023829/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/12102498/Duchess-of-Cambridge-to-guest-edit-Huffington-Post-to-raise-awareness-of-child-mental-health-issues.html/|date=15 January 2016|access-date=12 July 2024|archive-date=18 October 2021|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=ABC News|title=Kate Middleton to guest-edit the UK section of The Huffington Post|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-16/kate-middleton-to-guest-edit-huffington-post-uk/7092582|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005035529/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-16/kate-middleton-to-guest-edit-huffington-post-uk/7092582|date=15 January 2016|access-date=12 July 2024|archive-date=5 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2019, Catherine worked with the Royal Horticultural Society as one of the co‑designers of a garden display at the Chelsea Flower Show.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/style/article/kate-duchess-cambridge-rhs-garden-unveiled-scli-gbr-intl/index.html|title=Duchess of Cambridge's Chelsea Flower Show garden plans unveiled|work=CNN|first=Matthew |last=Robinson|date=10 February 2019|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210004914/https://www.cnn.com/style/article/kate-duchess-cambridge-rhs-garden-unveiled-scli-gbr-intl/index.html|archive-date=10 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In May that year, as part of the ''Heads Together'' initiative, Catherine, William, and other members of the family launched ''Shout,'' a text‑messaging service for people experiencing mental‑health difficulties.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48222833|title=William, Kate, Harry and Meghan launch mental health text line Shout|work=BBC News|date=10 May 2019|access-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510044242/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48222833|archive-date=10 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2020, she and William supported a new mental‑health initiative by Public Health England during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52081021|title=Coronavirus: William and Kate urge nation to look after their mental health|work=BBC News|date=29 March 2020|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117023714/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52081021|archive-date=17 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2020, they announced ''Our Frontline'', which provides mental‑health support for emergency and frontline workers.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Cambridges introduce a mental health program for COVID-19 frontline workers |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a32235997/cambridges-announce-mental-health-charity-for-frontline-workers/ |magazine=Harpers Bazaar |access-date=12 December 2020|date=22 April 2020|first=Bianca|last=Betancourt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121216/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a32235997/cambridges-announce-mental-health-charity-for-frontline-workers/|archive-date=5 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
Catherine made a surprise appearance on ''CBeebies Bedtime Stories'' in February 2022, reading ''The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark'' by Jill Tomlinson to mark the end of Children's Mental Health Week.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/education-60347386|title=Duchess to be first royal to read CBeebies Bedtime Story|work=BBC News|date=11 February 2022|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206212359/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/education-60347386|archive-date=6 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In May that year, she became patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-new-patronage-maternal-mental-health-alliance/|title=Kate Middleton announces new patronage that highlights her role as a mother of three|magazine=People|first=Stephanie|last=Petit|date=5 May 2022|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603055814/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-new-patronage-maternal-mental-health-alliance/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October, to mark World Mental Health Day, she and William presented a special edition of ''Newsbeat,'' interviewing four guests on mental‑health topics.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-63203115|title=Prince and Princess of Wales take over Radio 1 Newsbeat|work=BBC News|date=11 October 2022|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010200103/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-63203115|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, they took part in a youth forum in Birmingham, ''Exploring our Emotional Worlds,'' alongside BBC Radio 1 and The Mix, continuing their longstanding work on mental wellbeing.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-step-out-world-mental-health-day-8349117|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William step out for World Mental Health Day|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=10 October 2023|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=10 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010170009/https://people.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-step-out-world-mental-health-day-8349117|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2024, they announced joint funding for a pilot scheme with Norfolk and Waveney Mind to support rural and farming communities on the Sandringham estate.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=William and Kate fund Norfolk mental health pilot |first=Neve|last=Gordon-Farleigh |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2kev2n7lo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221172720/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2kev2n7lo|date=21 December 2024|access-date=21 December 2024|archive-date=21 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2025, Catherine launched the ''Mother Nature'' video series to highlight nature's role in mental wellbeing; it concluded with ''Winter'' in January 2026.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah |last=Furness|title=Princess of Wales brings her love of great outdoors to new generation|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/05/12/princess-wales-nature-revives-renews/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512182417/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/05/12/princess-wales-nature-revives-renews/|date=12 May 2025|access-date=12 May 2025|archive-date=12 May 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Daily Telegraph'' described it as "one of her most personally creative projects to date".<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria |last=Ward|title=Princess of Wales: The rivers within us cleanse and purify|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2026/01/09/princess-of-wales-nature-is-a-quiet-teacher/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260111185922/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2026/01/09/princess-of-wales-nature-is-a-quiet-teacher/|date=9 January 2026|access-date=11 January 2026|archive-date=11 January 2026|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Early years and childhood development=== [[File:F20210611CS-0757 (51268405656).jpg|thumb|With Jill Biden at Connor Downs Academy, Cornwall, June 2021|alt=Catherine and Jill Biden engage with school children at a table while wearing masks]]
During the initial years of her charity work, Catherine became interested in the connection between the first five years of childhood and later outcomes such as homelessness, mental illness, and addiction.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64453394|title=Kate's early years campaign is her 'life's work'|work=BBC News|first=Sean|last=Coughlan|date=30 January 2023|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530220215/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64453394|archive-date=30 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2018, she hosted a symposium with the Royal Society of Medicine on children's health and launched the Early Years Intervention Support initiative.<ref>{{cite news|last=McBride|first=Caitlin|title=Kate Middleton heralds the arrival of spring with bespoke Jenny Packham coat|url=https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-heralds-the-arrival-of-spring-with-bespoke-jenny-packham-coat-36728272.html|access-date=27 October 2020|work=Irish Independent|date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228131607/https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-heralds-the-arrival-of-spring-with-bespoke-jenny-packham-coat-36728272.html|archive-date=28 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In May that year, she established the Early Years Steering Group.<ref>{{cite news |title=Early years|url=https://royalfoundation.com/early-years/|access-date=14 December 2021 |website=The Royal Foundation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214054746/https://royalfoundation.com/early-years/|archive-date=14 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Duchess of Cambridge's work on the Early Years – Early Years Steering Group|url=https://www.royal.uk/duchess-cambridges-work-early-years|access-date=14 December 2021 |website=The Royal Family|date=12 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214055211/https://www.royal.uk/duchess-cambridges-work-early-years|archive-date=14 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2020, Catherine launched ''5 Big Questions on the Under 5's'', a nationwide survey on early childhood development.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Kate Effect: The Duchess of Cambridge is asking 5 Big Questions about early years |url=https://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/the-kate-effect-what-will-the-duchess-of-cambridges-survey-tell-us-about-early-years/ |access-date=27 October 2020 |work=University of Northampton |date=23 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228131803/https://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/the-kate-effect-what-will-the-duchess-of-cambridges-survey-tell-us-about-early-years/|archive-date=28 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The survey was conducted by Ipsos MORI and included "further qualitative and ethnographic research" on the early years.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Duchess Kate reveals the survey results that will shape her future work |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a34799293/kate-middleton-5-big-questions-survey-results/|magazine=Harper's Bazaar|first=Omid|last=Scobie|date=26 November 2020 |access-date=2 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204111236/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a34799293/kate-middleton-5-big-questions-survey-results/|archive-date=4 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> It received more than 500,000 responses.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Perry |first=Simon |title=Kate Middleton makes exciting announcement about her passion project for young families |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-reveals-the-success-of-her-big-project-of-the-year-for-young-kids-and-families/ |magazine=People |access-date=23 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228132624/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-reveals-the-success-of-her-big-project-of-the-year-for-young-kids-and-families/|archive-date=28 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The results were released in November 2020,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Perry |first=Simon |title=Kate Middleton's 'influential' work for children and families will likely have a 'long-term impact': expert |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-work-with-children-and-families-will-have-a-long-term-impact/ |magazine=People |access-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228132854/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-work-with-children-and-families-will-have-a-long-term-impact/|archive-date=28 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> outlining five key themes in early childhood, including parental mental health and wider community support.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middletons-parenting-report-homelessness-addiction-poor-mental-health-grounded-in-difficult-childhood/|title=Kate Middleton's survey unveils 'serious milestone' in her long-running work for young families|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=26 November 2020|access-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228134509/https://people.com/royals/kate-middletons-parenting-report-homelessness-addiction-poor-mental-health-grounded-in-difficult-childhood/|archive-date=28 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2020, she supported the development of the BBC's ''Tiny Happy People'' initiative, which provides free digital resources for parents with young children.<ref>{{cite news |last=Perry|first=Simon |title=Kate Middleton shares the parenting 'gold dust' she wishes she had as a first-time mom |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-wishes-she-had-this-parenting-gold-dust-when-she-was-a-new-mom/ |access-date=2 May 2024 |magazine=People |date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820001712/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-wishes-she-had-this-parenting-gold-dust-when-she-was-a-new-mom/|archive-date=20 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2020, she led a donation drive to support baby banks nationwide, generating more than 10,000 donations.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hallemann |first=Caroline |title=Kate Middleton steps out in sneakers and a pretty green dress for a visit to a baby charity |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a33509702/kate-middleton-sneakers-green-dress-baby-charity-visit/ |magazine=Town & Country |date=4 August 2020 |access-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228135435/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a33509702/kate-middleton-sneakers-green-dress-baby-charity-visit/|archive-date=28 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kate Middleton wears face mask during visit to Sheffield baby bank |url=https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2020-08-05/kate-middleton-wears-face-mask-during-visit-to-sheffield-baby-bank |access-date=19 November 2020 |work=ITV |date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228135709/https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2020-08-05/kate-middleton-wears-face-mask-during-visit-to-sheffield-baby-bank|archive-date=28 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2021, Catherine launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to coordinate research, campaigns, and partnerships on early‑years issues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Morton |first=Becky |title=Duchess of Cambridge launches 'landmark' centre for childhood |work=BBC News |date=17 June 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57511122 |access-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228135813/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57511122|archive-date=28 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2022, Catherine visited Denmark on behalf of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.<ref name="feb2022">{{cite magazine|first=Meg|last=Donohue|title=All the best photos from Kate Middleton's trip to Copenhagen|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/g39174450/kate-middleton-copenhagen-trip-photos-2022/|date=23 February 2022|access-date=25 February 2022|magazine=Town & Country|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220225030202/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/g39174450/kate-middleton-copenhagen-trip-photos-2022/|archive-date=25 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tatler2022">{{cite magazine |first=Anya|last=Meyerowitz|title=The Duchess of Cambridge reunites with Crown Princess Mary as Queen Margrethe II welcomes her to Denmark|url=https://www.tatler.com/article/the-duchess-of-cambridge-and-crown-princess-mary-to-renuite-during-royal-visit-to-denmark-next-week|date=23 February 2022|access-date=25 February 2022 |magazine=Tatler|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225032607/https://www.tatler.com/article/the-duchess-of-cambridge-and-crown-princess-mary-to-renuite-during-royal-visit-to-denmark-next-week|archive-date=25 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Erin|last=Hill|title=Kate Middleton visits outdoor kindergarten class in Denmark after admitting she's feeling 'very broody'|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-visits-kindergarten-class-during-her-royal-tour-of-denmark/?amp=true|date=23 February 2022|access-date=25 February 2022|magazine=People|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220225030247/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-visits-kindergarten-class-during-her-royal-tour-of-denmark/?amp=true|archive-date=25 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In June that year, she hosted her first roundtable discussion with politicians on early‑childhood development.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-hosts-palace-roundtable-uk-politicians/|title=Kate Middleton hosts her first roundtable with U.K. politicians about a cause close to her heart|first=Simon|last=Perry|magazine=People|date=16 June 2022|access-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811105838/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-hosts-palace-roundtable-uk-politicians/|archive-date=11 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2023, she launched the ''Shaping Us'' initiative through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, a long‑term campaign aimed at raising awareness of early‑childhood development and its importance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jan/31/kate-princess-of-wales-supporting-children-early-years-more-important-than-ever|title=Kate says supporting children in early years 'more important than ever'|newspaper=The Guardian|date=31 January 2023|access-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428033922/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jan/31/kate-princess-of-wales-supporting-children-early-years-more-important-than-ever|archive-date=28 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In November that year, she delivered the keynote speech at the ''Shaping Us National Symposium'' at the Design Museum in London.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/kate-middleton-makes-key-speech-for-kids-8401655|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115131149/https://people.com/kate-middleton-makes-key-speech-for-kids-8401655|title=Kate Middleton makes key speech for her work with children: 'I care deeply about making a positive difference'|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=15 November 2023|archive-date=15 November 2023|access-date=15 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2025, Catherine co‑authored an essay with Professor Robert J. Waldinger of Harvard Medical School, encouraging parents to limit children's screen time to support early‑childhood relationships.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah|last=Furness|title=Princess takes a risk with 'put down phones' plea – but she is dedicated to this cause|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/10/09/princess-wales-risk-put-down-phone-plea-dedicated-cause-uk/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009172917/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/10/09/princess-wales-risk-put-down-phone-plea-dedicated-cause-uk/|date=9 October 2025|access-date=9 October 2025|archive-date=9 October 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Public image== ===Fashion=== {{multiple image | image1 = Duchess of Cambridge in June 2013.JPG | alt1 = Catherine in 2013 | width1 = 91 | image2 = Cambridge family at Trooping the Colour 2019 - 12.jpg | alt2 = Catherine in 2019 | width2 = 121 | align = right | footer = Catherine (holding Prince Louis at right) wore dresses designed by Alexander McQueen at Trooping the Colour in 2013 and 2019 respectively. | footer_align = left | direction = | caption1 = | caption2 = }} Catherine, noted for her fashion sense, has been included on numerous "best‑dressed" lists.<ref>: * {{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-09-12-bestdressed_N.htm|title=Knowles, Stefani make mags 'best dressed'|access-date=6 July 2008|work=USA Today|date=12 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522131642/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-09-12-bestdressed_N.htm|archive-date=22 May 2008|url-status=live}} * {{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2008/09/bestdressed_slideshow200809?slide=4#globalNav|title=The International Best-Dressed List|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828035839/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2008/09/bestdressed_slideshow200809?slide=4 |date=29 July 2008 |access-date=31 July 2008|archive-date=28 August 2008|url-status=live}} * {{cite magazine|url=https://www.tatler.com/gallery/top-10-best-dressed-2022-royals-celebrities-duchess-of-cambridge|title=Tatler's Best Dressed List is back for 2022: see who made the Top 10 now|magazine=Tatler|first=Chandler|last=Tregaskes|date=5 August 2022|access-date=5 August 2022|archive-date=5 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805185209/https://www.tatler.com/gallery/top-10-best-dressed-2022-royals-celebrities-duchess-of-cambridge|url-status=live}}</ref> She appeared on the cover of British ''Vogue'''s centenary issue in June 2016, and the magazine later named her an "Eternal Influencer" and one of the 50 best‑dressed Britons in 2025.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2016/04/30/duchess-of-cambridge-vogue-cover-catherine-centenary-issue|title=The Duchess is Vogue's centenary cover star|magazine=British Vogue|date=30 April 2016 |access-date=4 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503063852/http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2016/04/30/duchess-of-cambridge-vogue-cover-catherine-centenary-issue|archive-date=3 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/british-vogue-best-dressed-list-2025|title=The 50 Best-Dressed Brits of 2025, according to Vogue|magazine=British Vogue|date=11 December 2025|access-date=11 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212051434/https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/british-vogue-best-dressed-list-2025|archive-date=12 December 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Her style has developed from the more conservative choices of her early public life into a sophisticated and elegant wardrobe, frequently featuring designs by Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, and Catherine Walker, as well as international houses such as Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Times|title=Kate's style evolution: from tea dresses to coronation couture|first=Karen|last=Dacre |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/kate-middleton-best-outfits-fashion-style-80d0lr3jp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623105857/https://www.thetimes.com/article/kate-middleton-best-outfits-fashion-style-80d0lr3jp|date=3 December 2023|archive-date=23 June 2024|access-date=23 June 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |title='She is at her style zenith': Princess Catherine's style evolution|first=Damien |last=Woolnough |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/she-is-at-her-style-zenith-princess-catherine-s-style-evolution-20230508-p5d6lk.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520041340/https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/she-is-at-her-style-zenith-princess-catherine-s-style-evolution-20230508-p5d6lk.html|date=9 May 2023|archive-date=20 May 2023|access-date=23 June 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair |title='Wearing the trousers: How Kate Middleton evolved her style as the Princess of Wales|first=Erin|last=Vanderhoof |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/kate-middleton-evolved-style-as-the-princess-of-wales|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109215824/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/kate-middleton-evolved-style-as-the-princess-of-wales|date=9 January 2024|archive-date=9 January 2024|access-date=23 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> The "Kate Middleton effect" refers to the reported impact she has on the sales of particular products and brands.<ref name=Telegraph2021/>{{sfn|Smith|2011|page=142}}<ref name="Catherine's influence on fashion industry sales">: * {{cite news|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/mar/30/kate-duchess-of-cambridge-fashion-lk-bennett|title=How the 'Duchess of Cambridge effect' is helping British fashion in US|last1=Thomas-Bailey|first1=Carlene|first2=Zoe |last2=Wood|date=30 March 2012|access-date=3 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929170007/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/mar/30/kate-duchess-of-cambridge-fashion-lk-bennett|archive-date=29 September 2013|url-status=live}} * {{cite magazine |title=People & parties chart The Duchess of Cambridge's life in style |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/style-file-catherine-duchess-of-cambridge|magazine=British Vogue|date=5 September 2017|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105130706/https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/style-file-catherine-duchess-of-cambridge|archive-date=5 January 2022|url-status=live}} * {{cite news|newspaper=The Times|title=The Kate effect: the Princess of Wales is now the queen of style|first=Harriet|last=Walker |url=https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/fashion/article/kate-middleton-fashion-style-victoria-beckham-kk57622cp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916145413/https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/fashion/article/kate-middleton-fashion-style-victoria-beckham-kk57622cp|date=14 May 2025|access-date=12 December 2025|archive-date=16 September 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="vf fashion">{{cite magazine |magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Katie|last=Nicholl |title=Why Kate Middleton remains a 'global fashion phenomenon' |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/10/kate-middleton-fashion-influence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105130434/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/10/kate-middleton-fashion-influence|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=5 January 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, she was reported to have boosted the British fashion industry by up to £1 billion within a year.<ref name="Telegraph2021">{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |title=10 years of the Duchess of Cambridge: how Kate became a royal style icon|first=Bethan|last=Holt |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/royals/10-years-duchess-cambridge-kate-became-royal-style-icon/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927154333/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/royals/10-years-duchess-cambridge-kate-became-royal-style-icon/|date=24 January 2021|archive-date=27 September 2023|access-date=23 June 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Public opinion and influence===
Commentators have described Catherine as a significant asset to the royal family's public image. Camilla Tominey of ''The Daily Telegraph'' characterised her as "the monarchy's greatest asset", while Petronella Wyatt of the same paper called her "the jewel in the crown".<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Petronella |last=Wyatt|title=The Princess of Wales's true service has been in saving William from wallowing like his brother|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/04/01/princess-of-wales-kate-middleton-william-royals-cancer/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626084216/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2024/04/01/princess-of-wales-kate-middleton-william-royals-cancer/|date=1 April 2024|access-date=12 December 2024|archive-date=26 June 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Gaby|last=Hinsliff|title=The 'Kate effect': how the Princess of Wales became the royals' not-so-secret weapon|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/06/the-kate-effect-how-the-princess-of-wales-became-the-royals-not-so-secret-weapon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229005526/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/06/the-kate-effect-how-the-princess-of-wales-became-the-royals-not-so-secret-weapon|date=6 May 2023|access-date=19 June 2024|archive-date=29 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Camilla|last=Tominey|title=How the Duchess of Cambridge became the monarchy's greatest asset|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/0/duchess-cambridge-became-monarchys-greatest-asset/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205033524/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/0/duchess-cambridge-became-monarchys-greatest-asset/|date=30 May 2021|access-date=19 June 2024|archive-date=5 December 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Rhonda Garelick of ''The New York Times'' noted her ability to balance modernity with traditional royal expectations.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Rhonda|last=Garelick |title=The state of Kate|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/13/style/kate-middleton.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117042855/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/13/style/kate-middleton.html|date=13 January 2023|access-date=19 June 2024|archive-date=17 January 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> On Catherine's 40th birthday, aides told ''The Times'' that she avoids PR advice and "will never do something because she thinks the media will like it".<ref name="Times-40">{{cite news|title=Kate Middleton at 40: how the Duchess of Cambridge is preparing to be Queen|newspaper=The Times|first=Roya|last=Nikkhah |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/kate-middleton-40th-birthday-qdb8qs6wp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103115403/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kate-middleton-40th-birthday-qdb8qs6wp|date=8 January 2022|access-date=9 January 2023|archive-date=3 November 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, her and William's former private secretary, said she has "an almost old-fashioned, Queen Mother attitude to drama – she just doesn't do it."<ref name="Times-40"/> ''The Times'' also described her as influential, observing that, like Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and King Charles III and Queen Camilla, she and William form "a good double act."<ref>{{cite news|title=What will change when William is king? By royal insiders|newspaper=The Times|first=Kate|last=Mansey |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/royal-family/article/king-prince-william-will-be-lsd3z92dx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425042424/https://www.thetimes.com/uk/royal-family/article/king-prince-william-will-be-lsd3z92dx|date=25 April 2025|access-date=25 April 2025|archive-date=25 April 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Time'' magazine listed Catherine among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2011, 2012, and 2013.<ref>Catherine was included in ''Time'' magazine's list of the 100 most influential people on three occasions: * {{cite magazine |last=Collins |first=Jackie |date=21 April 2011 |title=Prince William and Kate Middleton|url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066405,00.html|magazine=Time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921163630/https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066405,00.html|archive-date=21 September 2023 |access-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}} * {{cite magazine|first=Catherine|last=Mayer|title=Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Pippa Middleton|url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2111975,00.html |magazine=Time |date=18 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929052345/https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111952,00.html|archive-date=29 September 2013|access-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}} * {{cite news |last=Moraski |first=Lauren |date=18 April 2012 |title=2012: Time magazine lists its 100 most influential people in the world |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/time-magazine-lists-its-100-most-influential-people-in-the-world/|work=CBS News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006110017/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/time-magazine-lists-its-100-most-influential-people-in-the-world/ |archive-date=6 October 2016 |access-date=24 July 2021|url-status=live}} * {{cite news |first=Sally |last=Bedell Smith|title=Kate Middleton|url=https://time100.time.com/2013/04/18/time-100/slide/kate-middleton/|magazine=Time |date=18 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323130323/https://time100.time.com/2013/04/18/time-100/slide/kate-middleton/|archive-date=23 March 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}} * {{cite news |last=Brown |first=Brigid |date=April 2013 |title=2013: Three Brits make Time magazine's 100 most influential people list |url=https://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2013/04/three-brits-make-time-magazines-100-most-influential-people-list|work=BBC America |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810123931/https://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2013/04/three-brits-make-time-magazines-100-most-influential-people-list |archive-date=10 August 2020 |access-date=24 July 2021|url-status=live}} </ref> She was a runner-up for the magazine's Person of the Year award in 2011 and 2024.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kate Middleton: The Princess|magazine=Time| first=Catherine|last=Mayer |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102133_2102333,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222043651/https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102133_2102333,00.html|date=14 December 2011|access-date=10 December 2024|archive-date=22 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Who will be TIME's Person of the Year for 2024? See the shortlist|magazine=Time|url=https://time.com/7200122/person-of-the-year-2024-shortlist/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209143617/https://time.com/7200122/person-of-the-year-2024-shortlist/|date=9 December 2024|access-date=11 December 2024|archive-date=9 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2023 to 2026, ''The Independent'' included her on its "Influence List".<ref> *{{cite news|work=The Independent|title=Independent Women 2023 – The Influence List |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/women/independent-women-influence-list-2023-b2295691.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308062059/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/women/independent-women-influence-list-2023-b2295691.html|date=8 March 2023|archive-date=8 March 2023|access-date=8 March 2023|url-status=live}} *{{cite news|title=Independent Women 2024 – The Influence List|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/women/international-womens-day-2024-influence-list-b2500534.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307220942/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/women/international-womens-day-2024-influence-list-b2500534.html|date=7 March 2024|archive-date=7 March 2024|access-date=8 March 2024|url-status=live}} *{{cite news|title=Independent Women 2025 – The Influence List|work=The Independent|url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/international-womens-day-independent-influence-list-b2706045.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308051338/https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/international-womens-day-independent-influence-list-b2706045.html|date=7 March 2025|archive-date=8 March 2025|access-date=8 March 2025|url-status=live}} *{{cite news|title=Independent Women 2026 – The Influence List|work=The Independent|url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/international-womens-day-independent-influence-list-2026-b2930360.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260308035557/https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/international-womens-day-independent-influence-list-2026-b2930360.html|date=7 March 2026|access-date=7 March 2026|archive-date=8 March 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2022, she was found to be the second most liked member of the royal family by the polling company YouGov,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/12/09/after-prince-andrew-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle |title=After Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain Britain's most unpopular royals |work=BBC News |date=9 January 2022 |access-date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=6 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106210540/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/12/09/after-prince-andrew-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle |url-status=live }}</ref> while an Ipsos favourability poll in April 2023 ranked her first.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/04/28/kate-princess-wales-prince-william-most-popular-royals/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428011216/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/04/28/kate-princess-wales-prince-william-most-popular-royals/|title=Most and least popular royals revealed|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=India|last=McTaggart|date=28 April 2023|archive-date=28 April 2023|access-date=28 April 2023 |url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2024, YouGov again ranked her as the most popular royal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kate Middleton now UK's most popular royal|website=YouGov |first=Matthew|last=Smith|url= https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/49089-kate-middleton-now-uks-most-popular-royal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409103033/https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/49089-kate-middleton-now-uks-most-popular-royal|date=9 April 2024|archive-date=9 April 2024|access-date=9 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> That year, she was the most searched person on Google Search in the United Kingdom and the second most searched globally.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Luke Littler trends higher than PM on Google in 2024|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c708eewdll0o|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251119022326/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c708eewdll0o|date=10 December 2024|access-date=12 December 2024|archive-date=19 November 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Associated Press|title=Remember what you searched for on Google? Here's what 2024 trends reveal|url=https://apnews.com/article/google-search-trends-2024-election-sports-f10d51e6b7090420777408d3b3d0efb1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211175643/https://apnews.com/article/google-search-trends-2024-election-sports-f10d51e6b7090420777408d3b3d0efb1|date=10 December 2024|access-date=11 December 2024|archive-date=11 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2025, Catherine was named to the ''Time'' 100 Health list for her cancer-awareness work.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/collections/time100-health-2025/7279661/kate-middleton/|title=TIME100 Health: Kate Middleton|magazine=Time|first=Alice|last=Park|date=8 May 2025|access-date=10 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513191019/https://time.com/collections/time100-health-2025/7279661/kate-middleton/|archive-date=13 May 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, she and William were included on the inaugural ''Time'' 100 Philanthropy list.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Time|first=Harry|last=Booth|title=Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William|url=https://time.com/collections/time100-philanthropy-2025/7286019/prince-william-catherine-princess-of-wales/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521033550/https://time.com/collections/time100-philanthropy-2025/7286019/prince-william-catherine-princess-of-wales/|date=20 May 2025|access-date=21 May 2025|archive-date=21 May 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> The Royal Horticultural Society launched a rose named Catherine's Rose, bred by Harkness Roses, in her honour to support the Royal Marsden Hospital.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|title=Rose named after Princess of Wales to celebrate 'healing power of nature'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/05/09/catherine-rose-princess-wales-nature-healing-power/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250509092255/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/05/09/catherine-rose-princess-wales-nature-healing-power/|date=9 May 2025|access-date=9 May 2025|archive-date=9 May 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, she and William topped ''Tatler''{{'}}s social power index.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Social Power Index 2025: Who made the top 10 on Tatler's list of the most influential in the land|magazine=Tatler|first=Sacha |last=Forbes|url=https://www.tatler.com/gallery/tatler-social-power-index-2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250627163207/https://www.tatler.com/gallery/tatler-social-power-index-2025|date=26 June 2025|access-date=27 June 2025|archive-date=27 June 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Privacy and the media== The death of Diana, Princess of Wales, while being pursued by paparazzi in 1997, has shaped Catherine and William's cautious approach to the media.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News| title=Paparazzi's role in Diana accident|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/707445.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928081235/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/707445.stm |date=9 April 2000|access-date=18 September 2012|archive-date=28 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYT-topless">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/europe/britain-rebukes-magazine-for-publishing-images-of-topless-kate-middleton.html|title=Royal couple sue over photos of topless Duchess|newspaper=The New York Times|date=14 September 2012|access-date=18 September 2012|last1=Cowell|first1=Alan|last2=Burns|first2=John F.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917033356/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/europe/britain-rebukes-magazine-for-publishing-images-of-topless-kate-middleton.html|archive-date=17 September 2012|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> They have repeatedly requested privacy when off duty.<ref name="NYT-topless" />
In April 2004, ''The Sun'' published photographs of Middleton and William at a ski resort, identifying her as his girlfriend.<ref name=Pique>{{cite news|work=CBS News|title=Pics of Prince Wills pique royals|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pics-of-prince-wills-pique-royals/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324025000/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pics-of-prince-wills-pique-royals/|access-date=24 March 2024|date=1 April 2004|archive-date=24 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> After her graduation, she was frequently targeted by paparazzi and raised concerns about harassment and intrusive media presence outside her home.<ref name="bbc2021">{{cite news |last=Wicks |first=Kevin |title=Kate Middleton: A Paparazzi Target Who Rivals Princess Diana |url=https://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2007/01/kate-middleton-a-paparazzi-target-who-rivals-princess-diana |work=BBC America |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923001628/https://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2007/01/kate-middleton-a-paparazzi-target-who-rivals-princess-diana}}</ref><ref name="tabguardian"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-royal aide condemns paparazzi|work=BBC News|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6245061.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194133/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6245061.stm|date=9 January 2007|access-date=28 October 2015|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 2005 and 2006, Middleton's phone was reportedly hacked 155 times by the ''News of the World'', according to its former royal editor, Clive Goodman, during a wider phone-hacking scandal involving the royal family.<ref>{{cite news|title=Phone-hacking trial: Kate Middleton 'hacked 155 times'|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27413632|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720122144/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27413632|date=14 May 2014|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=20 July 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, her lawyers issued further warnings following the publication of unauthorised photographs taken during a shopping trip.<ref>{{cite news|title=Papers warned again over prince's girlfriend|work=The Guardian|first=Stephen|last=Brook |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/apr/25/pressandpublishing.themonarchy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206212421/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/apr/25/pressandpublishing.themonarchy|date=25 April 2006|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2007, heightened media attention around Middleton's 25th birthday prompted legal warnings from William, Charles, and her lawyers over press harassment.<ref>{{cite news|last=Neild|first=Barry|title=Will lawsuit fears keep photographers away from Kate Middleton? |url=https://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/11/26/uk.royal.engagement.photographers/index.html|work=CNN|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915041244/https://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/11/26/uk.royal.engagement.photographers/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tabguardian">{{cite news|first1=Owen|last1=Gibson|first2=Stephen|last2=Brook|title=Tabloids ban paparazzi shots of Kate Middleton|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/10/newsinternational.royalsandthemedia|access-date=15 September 2021|newspaper=The Guardian|date=9 January 2007|archive-date=15 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915041244/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/10/newsinternational.royalsandthemedia|url-status=live}}</ref> Some newspapers subsequently agreed to stop using paparazzi images.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/09/newsinternational.royalsandthemedia|title=NI bans Middleton paparazzi pics|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Stephen|last=Brook|date=9 January 2007|access-date=7 January 2022|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929033604/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/09/newsinternational.royalsandthemedia|url-status=live}}</ref> In March, a complaint to the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) regarding a photograph obtained through harassment resulted in a settlement and formal warning.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-middleton-idUKL2965155520070330|title=Kate Middleton files harassment complaint|work=Reuters|date=29 March 2007|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206212420/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-middleton-idUKL2965155520070330|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC-PCC">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6290066.stm|title=Kate Middleton 'hounded', say MPs|work=BBC News|date=11 July 2007|access-date=31 May 2022|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601030200/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6290066.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In July, MPs criticised the PCC for failing to protect her from what they described as "persistent harassment".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jul/11/pressandpublishing.politicsandthemedia|title=PCC has failed Kate Middleton, say MPs|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Hélène|last=Mulholland|date=11 July 2007|access-date=31 May 2022|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601030159/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jul/11/pressandpublishing.politicsandthemedia|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2010, Middleton pursued a privacy claim against two agencies and the photographer Niraj Tanna over tennis photographs taken during Christmas 2009. The case concluded with £5,000 in damages, legal costs, and an apology.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/jan/13/kate-middleton-photographer|title=Kate Middleton launches legal action against photographer|newspaper=The Guardian|first=John|last=Plunkett|date=13 January 2010|access-date=7 January 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107225308/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/jan/13/kate-middleton-photographer|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph-Rex">{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Anita |title=Kate Middleton wins damages from paparazzi agency|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/7422676/Kate-Middleton-wins-damages-from-paparazzi-agency.html|access-date=28 October 2015|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=11 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194135/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/7422676/Kate-Middleton-wins-damages-from-paparazzi-agency.html|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live |url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 2011, close associates of the private investigator Jonathan Rees alleged that he had targeted Middleton during her relationship with William.<ref>{{cite news|last=Davies|first=Nick|title=Phone-hacking scandal widens to include Kate Middleton and Tony Blair|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/08/phone-hacking-kate-middleton-tony-blair|access-date=19 December 2022|newspaper=The Guardian|date=8 June 2011|archive-date=13 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813141238/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/08/phone-hacking-kate-middleton-tony-blair|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2011, the Middleton family complained to the PCC after photographs of Catherine and her family in swimwear during a 2006 holiday were published in several newspapers.<ref name="Guardian-May2011">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2011/may/09/pcc-pippa-middleton|title=Middletons to complain to PCC over holiday bikini pictures|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Roy|last=Greenslade|date=9 May 2011|access-date=7 January 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107235545/https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2011/may/09/pcc-pippa-middleton|url-status=live}}</ref> The family argued that the images breached privacy and the editors' code of practice. In September, an agreement was reached for the photographs to be removed from the newspapers' websites and not republished.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2011/sep/09/pcc-duchess-of-cambridge|title=Three papers remove Middleton pictures from their websites|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Roy|last=Greenslade|date=9 September 2011|access-date=7 January 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107235540/https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2011/sep/09/pcc-duchess-of-cambridge|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2012, the French edition of ''Closer'', the Italian magazine ''Chi,'' and the ''Irish Daily Star'' published topless photographs of Catherine sunbathing at Château d'Autet.<ref>{{cite news|date=15 September 2012|last1=Malvern|first1=Jack|last2=Connolly|first2=Sue|title=Spying photographers may have taken their shots of a secluded chateau from the road|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/france/paris/spying-photographers-may-have-taken-their-shots-of-secluded-chateau-from-road-rnlm3v7zhrw|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323171706/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/spying-photographers-may-have-taken-their-shots-of-secluded-chateau-from-road-rnlm3v7zhrw|newspaper=The Times|url-access=subscription|archive-date=23 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Irish Times|title=Star editor suspended over Kate Middleton photographs|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0917/breaking31.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918030041/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0917/breaking31.html|date=17 September 2012|access-date=17 September 2012|archive-date=18 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> She and William filed a criminal complaint and civil suit in Nanterre.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19615475|title=Kate and William to make criminal complaint over topless shots|work=BBC News|date=16 September 2012|access-date=16 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916172921/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19615475|archive-date=16 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A court granted an injunction preventing further publication and opened a criminal inquiry.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19631591|title=Kate topless photos: French injunction against magazine|work=BBC News|date=18 September 2012|access-date=18 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918000717/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19631591|archive-date=18 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, ''Closer'' was fined €100,000, and its editor and owner were each fined €45,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kate topless pics: Closer magazine to pay royals in €100k damages|url=https://news.sky.com/story/kate-topless-pics-closer-magazine-ordered-to-pay-100k-damages-11021607|access-date=5 September 2017|work=Sky News|date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906035610/https://news.sky.com/story/kate-topless-pics-closer-magazine-ordered-to-pay-100k-damages-11021607|archive-date=6 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
thumb|With William being photographed by members of the press during their 2016 royal tour of Canada|alt=see caption In December 2012, Australian radio hosts Michael Christian and Mel Greig impersonated Elizabeth II and Charles in a call to King Edward VII's Hospital, where Catherine was being treated for hyperemesis gravidarum. They obtained information from a nurse on her ward. Following public criticism and an internal inquiry, Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who transferred the call, died by suicide.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/prank-call-plays-on-after-death-20121208-2b1y1.html|title=Prank call plays on after death|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 December 2012|access-date=8 December 2012|last=Rayner|first=Gordon}}</ref> The hosts later apologised.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/world/asia/australia-radio-personalities/index.html|title=Radio personalities apologize for prank call to duchess's hospital|work=CNN|date=10 December 2012|access-date=2 December 2023|first=Brad|last=Lendon|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203020256/https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/world/asia/australia-radio-personalities/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2013, ''Chi'' published photographs of Catherine's exposed pregnant belly, taken during a holiday on the private island of Mustique. The British press declined to publish them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/the-royal-family-is-angered-by-kate-middleton-baby-bump-photos/|title=The royal family is angered by Kate Middleton baby bump photos|date=13 February 2013|work=B96 Chicago|access-date=13 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327113603/https://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/the-royal-family-is-angered-by-kate-middleton-baby-bump-photos/|archive-date=27 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2014, Catherine and William issued a legal warning to a freelance photographer for "harassing and following" their son George and his nanny.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/oct/02/duke-duchess-cambridge-prince-george-photographer|title=Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take action over Prince George 'surveillance'|newspaper=The Guardian|first1=Mark|last1=Sweney|first2=Caroline|last2=Davies|date=2 October 2014|access-date=2 December 2021|archive-date=2 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202062525/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/oct/02/duke-duchess-cambridge-prince-george-photographer|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2015, Kensington Palace released a letter describing the media's dangerous attempts to photograph George and Charlotte.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/media/our-view/letter-kensington-palace|title=A letter from Kensington Palace|work=The Prince of Wales|access-date=26 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328220639/https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/media/our-view/letter-kensington-palace|archive-date=28 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2019, the royal family issued social-media guidelines following online abuse directed at Catherine and her sister-in-law, Meghan.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/royals-new-social-media-rules|title=The royal family introduces social media rules after Meghan and Kate were trolled|magazine=British Vogue|first=Kerry|last=McDermott|date=4 March 2019|access-date=10 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304180257/https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/royals-new-social-media-rules|archive-date=4 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2020, Kensington Palace criticised a ''Tatler'' article about Catherine as inaccurate, leading the magazine to amend its online version after legal pressure.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://observer.com/2020/09/kate-middleton-tatler-profile-story-edited-kensington-palace/|title=Tatler finally edited its controversial profile of Kate Middleton|magazine=Observer|first=Morgan|last=Halberg|date=21 September 2020|access-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026171245/https://observer.com/2020/09/kate-middleton-tatler-profile-story-edited-kensington-palace/|archive-date=26 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2024, the Associated Press, AFP, Reuters, and Getty Images withdrew a Mother's Day photograph of Catherine and her children due to concerns about digital manipulation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Picture agencies pull Kate photo amid 'manipulation' concerns|url=https://news.sky.com/story/picture-agencies-pull-kate-photo-amid-manipulation-concerns-13092352|date=10 March 2024|access-date=11 March 2024|work=Sky News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310222530/https://news.sky.com/story/picture-agencies-pull-kate-photo-amid-manipulation-concerns-13092352|archive-date=10 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Catherine later acknowledged editing the image and apologised for the confusion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kate admits editing Mother's Day photo|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68534359|access-date=11 March 2024|work=BBC News|date=11 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311103931/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68534359|archive-date=11 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> The incident occurred shortly before she disclosed her cancer diagnosis and treatment.<ref name=coughlan-2024-03-22>{{cite news|last=Coughlan|first=Sean|title=Kate cancer diagnosis rewrites story of past weeks|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68643137|access-date=25 March 2024|work=BBC News|date=22 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108102357/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68643137|archive-date=8 January 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, the London Clinic launched an investigation after reports that staff had attempted to access her private medical records.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kate hospital responds after alleged privacy breach|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68618316|access-date=20 March 2024|work=BBC News|date=20 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320142213/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68618316|archive-date=20 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2025, Harry named Catherine and William in his court case against Associated Newspapers, alleging that private investigators had previously been employed to collect information on them, including Catherine's mobile-phone number and other personal details.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|title=Prince Harry drags William into battle against Daily Mail|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/10/01/prince-harry-claims-private-detectives-spied-on-william/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001173052/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/10/01/prince-harry-claims-private-detectives-spied-on-william/|date=1 October 2025|access-date=1 October 2025|archive-date=1 October 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, she and William won a privacy case in France against ''Paris Match'' over unauthorised photographs taken during a family ski trip in the Alps.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Independent|title=William and Kate win privacy case over 'intrusive' photos of family holiday|first=Tony|last=Jones|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/william-kate-photos-paris-match-b2855297.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251030141805/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/william-kate-photos-paris-match-b2855297.html|date=30 October 2025|access-date=30 October 2025|archive-date=30 October 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Titles, styles, and honours== {{further|List of titles and honours of Catherine, Princess of Wales}}
===Titles and styles=== Upon her marriage in April 2011, Catherine became a Princess of the United Kingdom, as well as Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, and Baroness Carrickfergus; she also received the style of Royal Highness.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{cite news|last=Beckford|first=Martin |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton's new titles revealed|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8482573/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middletons-new-titles-revealed.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424081206/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8482573/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middletons-new-titles-revealed.html|date=29 April 2011|access-date=23 April 2018|archive-date=24 April 2018|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=People |first1=Phil|first2=Kristin| last1=Boucher|last2=Boehm| title=Prince William, Kate Middleton receive dukedom of Cambridge|url=https://people.com/royals/royal-wedding-prince-william-kate-middleton-receive-dukedom-of-cambridge/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307161013/https://people.com/royals/royal-wedding-prince-william-kate-middleton-receive-dukedom-of-cambridge/|date=29 April 2011|archive-date=7 March 2023|access-date=3 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> She was formally known as "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge", except in Scotland, where she was instead called "Her Royal Highness The Countess of Strathearn".<ref>{{cite news|date=29 April 2011|title=Royal wedding: New Scots title for royal couple|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-13235825|access-date=18 September 2022 |archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005191131/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-13235825|url-status=live}}</ref>
Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022, and Catherine's father-in-law succeeded as Charles III.<ref>{{Cite news|newspaper=The Statesman (India)|date=8 September 2022|title=Queen Elizabeth II passes away, Prince Charles succeeds as king |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/queen-elizabeth-death-1503109316.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908183307/https://www.thestatesman.com/world/queen-elizabeth-death-1503109316.html|archive-date=8 September 2022|access-date=8 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Catherine became Duchess of Cornwall and Duchess of Rothesay.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Furness|first1=Hannah |last2=Mendick|first2=Robert |date=10 September 2022 |title=Royal family title changes: William and Kate become Prince and Princess of Wales|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/0/new-royal-titles-family-prince-wales-william-kate-middleton/|access-date=10 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910094407/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/0/new-royal-titles-family-prince-wales-william-kate-middleton/|archive-date=10 September 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=11 September 2022|title=Prince of Wales: William speaks of honour after getting title|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62870604|access-date=18 September 2022|archive-date=18 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918052903/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62870604 |url-status=live}}</ref> She was therefore briefly referred to as "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/the-duchess-of-cambridge |title=The Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge |website=The Royal Family|access-date=15 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909173446/https://www.royal.uk/the-duchess-of-cambridge|archive-date=9 September 2022}}</ref> On 9 September 2022, the King announced William's appointment as Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester, thereby making Catherine Princess of Wales and Countess of Chester. She has since been known as "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales", and as "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Rothesay" in Scotland.<ref>{{cite news |date=9 September 2022 |title=Watch: King Charles's first speech in full |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-62856345 |access-date=9 September 2022|work=BBC News|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909191056/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-62856345|url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC News">{{cite news |date=9 September 2022 |title=William and Kate named Prince and Princess of Wales by the King |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62856181 |access-date=9 September 2022 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909182810/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62856181 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Honours=== Catherine is a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO),<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-just-received-a-special-honor-from-queen-elizabeth-on-her-wedding-anniversary/|title=Kate Middleton just received a special honor from Queen Elizabeth on her wedding anniversary|magazine=People|first=Stephanie|last=Petit|date=29 April 2019|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408175621/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-just-received-a-special-honor-from-queen-elizabeth-on-her-wedding-anniversary/|archive-date=8 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH),<ref>{{cite news|last=Mills|first=Rhiannon|title=King recognises Queen and Prince William in honours list and creates new role for Kate, Princess of Wales|url=https://news.sky.com/story/king-recognises-queen-and-prince-william-in-honours-list-and-creates-new-role-for-kate-princess-of-wales-13121607|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423152048/https://news.sky.com/story/king-recognises-queen-and-prince-william-in-honours-list-and-creates-new-role-for-kate-princess-of-wales-13121607|access-date=23 April 2024|work=Sky News|date=23 April 2024|archive-date=23 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> and a recipient of the Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a24119492/kate-middleton-tiara-necklace-dress-netherlands-state-dinner/|title=Kate Middleton is covered in jewels for a state dinner at Buckingham Palace|magazine=Harper's Bazaar|first=Erica|last=Gonzales|date=23 October 2018|access-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024035453/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a24119492/kate-middleton-tiara-necklace-dress-netherlands-state-dinner/|archive-date=24 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Royal Family Order of Charles III.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Petit |first=Stephanie|title=Did you catch Kate Middleton's new royal accessory (and it's not the tiara!)|magazine=People|url=https://people.com/kate-middleton-debuts-new-royal-accessory-king-charles-royal-family-order-11768645|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709100314/https://people.com/kate-middleton-debuts-new-royal-accessory-king-charles-royal-family-order-11768645|date=8 July 2025|access-date=9 July 2025|archive-date=9 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Ancestry== {{further|Middleton family}} Catherine's father, Michael, is the son of Peter Middleton, whose Middleton forebears were from Leeds, West Yorkshire.{{sfn|Bullen|2011|page=52}} The historian Robert Lacey describes Michael Middleton as having aristocratic kinship; his grandmother, Olive Christiana Middleton, was close to her second cousin Baroness Airedale (1868–1942).<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |last=Ward|first=Victoria |title=Aristocratic roots of Peter Phillips' NHS nurse girlfriend revealed|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/06/22/peter-phillips-nhs-nurse-girlfriend-harriet-sperling-ascot/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007125801/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/06/22/peter-phillips-nhs-nurse-girlfriend-harriet-sperling-ascot/|date=22 June 2024|access-date=5 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024|quote=The Princess of Wales' great-grandmother, Olive Middleton, was close to her second cousin, Baroness Airedale, and was photographed in 1927 ...|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Lacey |first=Robert |title=Battle of Brothers |date=2021 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers, London |isbn=978-0-00-840854-1 |pages=62, 553 |edition=2nd |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E_3rDwAAQBAJ&dq=baroness+airedale+battle+of+brothers&pg=PT32 |access-date=30 August 2021 |quote=(Chapter 6 "Party Pieces" and Source Notes) Michael E. Reed has published his fascinating research into the aristocratic ancestry of the Middleton family in the ''Daily Telegraph'' and the ''Guardian'' and kindly supplied me with photographs of Baroness Airedale ["a distant ancestor of Michael Middleton" - Chapter 6, page 62] in her costume for the coronation of 1911.}}</ref> Both Catherine's paternal great-grandmother Olive Middleton (née Lupton) and her first cousin once removed Baroness von Schunck (née Kate Lupton) grew up at Potternewton Hall Estate, the seat of the Lupton family, who were described as landed gentry and, as such, were invited to the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.<ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book|last=Pullan|first=M.|title=The Monuments of the Parish Church of St. Peter-at-Leeds |date=2007|publisher=Maney Publishing for The Thoresby Society [and] Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society |isbn=978-1-905981-52-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i9_VAAAAMAAJ&q=Potternewton++Lupton |access-date=21 June 2019 |ref=none}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=Leodis|title=Headingley Castle|url=https://www.leodis.net/display.aspx?resourceIdentifier=9113&DISPLAY=FULL |access-date=15 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104015440/https://www.leodis.net/display.aspx?resourceIdentifier=9113&DISPLAY=FULL|archive-date=4 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Rayner>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|last=Rayner|first=Gordon|title=Duchess of Cambridge's relative wore crown and attended coronation of George V|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10307469/Middle-class-Duchess-of-Cambridges-relative-wore-crown-and-attended-George-Vs-coronation.html|access-date=25 January 2014|date=13 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206092239/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/10307469/Middle-class-Duchess-of-Cambridges-relative-wore-crown-and-attended-George-Vs-coronation.html|archive-date=6 December 2013|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Four successive generations of Catherine's ancestors lived at Potternewton Hall Estate: her great-grandmother Olive Middleton; Olive's father, the politician Francis Martineau Lupton; his mother, the educator Frances Elizabeth Lupton; and her father, the epidemiologist and surgeon Thomas Michael Greenhow.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |last=Tominey |first=Camilla |title=The Duchess of Cambridge's Ancestor Would Have Led The Fight Against Covid 19 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/search?query=Greenhow%20Middleton%20&languages=en&groupBy=Language&hideSimilar=0&type=1&state=1 |access-date=28 June 2020|page=25 |date=28 May 2020 |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323064606/https://www.pressreader.com/search?query=Greenhow%20Middleton%20&languages=en&groupBy=Language&hideSimilar=0&type=1&state=1|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Laycock |first=Mike |title=Duchess of Cambridge's links with stately home near York revealed|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11860310.Kate_s_links_to_North_Yorkshire_revealed/|work=The Press (York)|date=17 March 2015|access-date=18 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402132833/https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11860310.Kate_s_links_to_North_Yorkshire_revealed/|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bradford |first=E. |title=They Lived in Leeds: Francis Martineau Lupton (1848–1921) |url=https://www.thoresby.org.uk/content/people/lupton.php |work=The Thoresby Society |access-date=2 July 2020 |date=2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411084315/https://www.thoresby.org.uk/content/people/lupton.php |archive-date=11 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Other paternal ancestors include Sir Thomas Fairfax and his wife Anne Gascoigne, who was a descendant of Edward III.<ref name=Rayner/><ref>{{cite web|last=Adolph|first=Anthony|title=Princess Catherine|url=https://anthonyadolph.co.uk/princess-catherine/|access-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004214857/https://anthonyadolph.co.uk/princess-catherine/|archive-date=4 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
Catherine's maternal ancestors, the Harrisons, were working-class labourers and miners from Sunderland and County Durham who worked in the pits owned by the Bowes-Lyon family.{{sfn|Moody|2013|page=12}}<ref>{{cite news|title=The Middletons – finding common ground with the royal family|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/apr/30/royal-wedding-monarchy|access-date=6 May 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Esther|last=Addley|date=30 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506200310/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/apr/30/royal-wedding-monarchy|archive-date=6 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Ancestors through her maternal line include Sir Thomas Conyers, 9th Baronet, who was a descendant of Edward IV through his illegitimate daughter Elizabeth Plantagenet.<ref name="Blood Queen">{{cite web|first=Christopher C.|last=Child|title=A Gratifying Discovery: Connecting Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, to Sir Thomas Conyers, 9th Bt. of Horden, Durham|url=https://www.americanancestors.org/uploadedFiles/American_Ancestors/Content/Publications/American_Ancestors_Magazine/Magazine_PDFs/12-4_lores.pdf|pages=35–36|work=American Ancestors|publisher=New England Historic Genealogical Society|date=Fall 2011|access-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215237/https://www.americanancestors.org/uploadedFiles/American_Ancestors/Content/Publications/American_Ancestors_Magazine/Magazine_PDFs/12-4_lores.pdf|archive-date=4 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Bibliography== ===Book contributions=== * "Foreword", in: {{cite book|url=https://www.rafbf.org/get-involved/other-ways-to-support-us/books-that-donate-royalties-us/living-slipstream-life-raf-wife|title=Living in the Slipstream: Life as an RAF Wife|publisher=Book Guild|year=2014|isbn=978-1-909716-24-7|oclc=|first1=Alison |last1=Bairstow|first2=Jill |last2=Black|first3=Holly |last3=Jeffers|access-date=22 May 2021|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203105420/https://www.rafbf.org/get-involved/other-ways-to-support-us/books-that-donate-royalties-us/living-slipstream-life-raf-wife|ref=none}} * "Foreword", in: {{cite book |title=Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020 |publisher= National Portrait Gallery Publications|year=2021 |isbn=978-1-85514-738-6 |oclc= |author=National Portrait Gallery |ref=none}} * "Foreword", in: {{cite book |title=Puzzles for Spies |publisher= National Geographic Books|year=2022|isbn=978-0-241-57990-9 |oclc= |author=GCHQ |ref=none}}
===Authored articles and letters=== * {{cite web|date=17 February 2016|archive-date=29 November 2023|title=Let's Make a Real Difference for an Entire Generation of Young Children |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/her-royal-highness-the-duchess-of-cambridge/lets-make-a-real-difference-for-young-children_b_9246336.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129092449/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/her-royal-highness-the-duchess-of-cambridge/lets-make-a-real-difference-for-young-children_b_9246336.html |website=HuffPost|edition=UK|ref=none|url-status=live}} * {{cite web|date=27 December 2019|archive-date=15 January 2024|title=An Open Letter from The Duchess of Cambridge to Midwives |url=https://www.royal.uk/open-letter-duchess-cambridge-midwives|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115070110/https://www.royal.uk/open-letter-duchess-cambridge-midwives|website=The Royal Family|ref=none|url-status=live}} * {{cite news|last= With First Lady Jill Biden |date=12 June 2021|archive-date=3 November 2023|title= This is what our kids deserve |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/12/opinions/jill-biden-kate-middleton-g7-early-childhood-covid-19/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103091224/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/12/opinions/jill-biden-kate-middleton-g7-early-childhood-covid-19/index.html |work=CNN|ref=none|url-status=live}} * {{cite news|date=25 November 2022|archive-date=21 March 2023|title= I'm determined to nurture our children in their first crucial years of life. They are our future |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/11/25/catherine-princess-wales-child-development-mental-physical-health/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321165357/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/11/25/catherine-princess-wales-child-development-mental-physical-health/|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}} * {{cite web|date=28 January 2023|archive-date=2 February 2023|title= An open letter from The Princess of Wales|url=https://centreforearlychildhood.org/latest-learnings/news/an-open-letter-from-the-princess-of-wales/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202232251/https://centreforearlychildhood.org/latest-learnings/news/an-open-letter-from-the-princess-of-wales/|website=The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood|ref=none}} * {{cite web |date=24 March 2023|archive-date=16 August 2023|title= Investing in early childhood is a down payment on all our futures |url=https://www.ft.com/content/65df343e-b30a-44ae-936d-c5290cb08a84|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816130742/https://www.ft.com/content/65df343e-b30a-44ae-936d-c5290cb08a84|newspaper=Financial Times|ref=none|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}} *{{cite web|date=3 November 2023|archive-date=20 January 2024|title=A Message from The Princess of Wales this Addiction Awareness Week|url=https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk/a-message-from-the-princess-of-wales-this-addiction-awareness-week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120154647/https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk/a-message-from-the-princess-of-wales-this-addiction-awareness-week|website=Action On Addiction|ref=none|url-status=live}} * {{cite web|website=The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood|title=The Shaping Us Framework: Foreword|url=https://centreforearlychildhood.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Shaping-Us-Framework-Main-Report-for-Web-FINAL-3.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203035604/https://centreforearlychildhood.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Shaping-Us-Framework-Main-Report-for-Web-FINAL-3.pdf|date=2 February 2025|access-date=2 February 2025|archive-date=3 February 2025|ref=none|url-status=live}} *{{cite web|title=The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World|url=https://centreforearlychildhood.org/news-insights/guest-essays/the-power-of-human-connection-in-a-distracted-world/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009095959/https://centreforearlychildhood.org/news-insights/guest-essays/the-power-of-human-connection-in-a-distracted-world/|website=The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood|date=9 October 2025|access-date=9 October 2025|archive-date=9 October 2025|ref=none|url-status=live}}{{efn|Co-authored with Professor Robert J. Waldinger}} *{{cite web|date=23 November 2025|archive-date=24 November 2025|title=Message of support for Addiction Awareness Week from our Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales|url=https://takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/message-of-support-for-addiction-awareness-week-from-our-patron|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251124102359/https://takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/message-of-support-for-addiction-awareness-week-from-our-patron|website=Action On Addiction|ref=none|url-status=live}}
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== ===Citations=== {{reflist}}
===Sources=== {{refbegin|30em}} * {{cite book |last=Bullen |first=A. |title=William & Catherine: A Royal Wedding Souvenir |date=2011 |publisher=Dundurn |isbn=978-1-4597-1507-3 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UuWD2or4zhEC&q=Leeds++born+michael++Middleton&pg=PA52}} * {{cite book |last=Jobson |first=Robert |year=2010 |title=William & Kate: The Love Story |url=https://archive.org/details/williamkateloves0000jobs |url-access=registration |publisher=John Blake Publishing |isbn=978-1-84454-736-4}} * {{cite book|last=Joseph|first=Claudia|title=Kate: The Making of a Princess|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eSLbxXJdINIC|date=2011|publisher=Mainstream Publishing|isbn=978-1-907195-35-8}} * {{cite book|last=Lacey|first=Robert|title=Battle of Brothers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E_3rDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT32|publisher=HarperCollins|edition=2nd|date=2021|isbn=978-0-00-840854-1}} * {{Cite book |last=Moody |first=Marcia |date=2013 |title=Kate: A Biography |publisher=Michael O'Mara |isbn=978-1-78243-113-8}} * {{Cite book |last=Nicholl |first=Katie |date=2015 |orig-date=2013 |title=Kate: The Future Queen |url=https://archive.org/details/katefuturequeen0000nich_j7u1/page/4/mode/1up?q=Middleton+met |publisher=Hachette |isbn=978-1-60286-260-9}} * {{cite book|last=Price|first=Joann F.|title=Prince William: A Biography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W9BX5m8zdEoC&q=prince+william+kate+upper+middle+class&pg=PA130|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-39286-3|date=2011}} * {{cite book |last=Reitwiesner |first=William Addams |author-link=William Addams Reitwiesner |editor-first=Christopher Challender |editor-last=Child |others=Scott Campbell Steward |title=The Ancestry of Catherine Middleton |year=2011 |publisher=New England Historic Genealogical Society |isbn=978-0-88082-252-7 |url=https://www.wargs.com/royal/kate.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509012343/https://www.wargs.com/royal/kate.html |archive-date= 9 May 2011 |url-status=live}} * {{cite book|last=Smith|first=Sean|title=Kate – A Biography of Kate Middleton|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QwIXG7EbQ5cC&q=kate+middleton+upper-middle-class&pg=PT19|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-4516-6156-9|date=2011}} * {{cite book|last=Warde|first=Alan|title=Cultural Consumption, Classification and Power|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CT-PAQAAQBAJ&q=kate+middleton+upper+middle+class&pg=PA9|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-98222-7|date=2013}} * {{cite book|last=Westfahl|first=Gary|author-link=Gary Westfahl|title=A Day in a Working Life: 300 Trades and Professions through History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kaL0BwAAQBAJ&q=michael+Middleton+1949&pg=PA1232|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-61069-403-2|date=2015}} {{refend}}
==Further reading== * {{Cite book |last=de Vries |first=Susanna |date=2018 |title=Royal Marriages: Diana, Kate, Camilla |publisher=Pirgos Press |isbn=978-1-925283-64-8}} * {{Cite book |last=Morton |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Morton (writer) |date=2011 |title=William & Catherine: Their Story |url=https://archive.org/details/williamcatherine00mort |url-access=registration |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-64340-9}}
==External links== {{sister project links|d=Q10479|c=Category:Catherine, Princess of Wales|The Princess of Wales|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|wikt=no|n=no|q=Catherine, Princess of Wales}} * [https://www.royal.uk/the-princess-of-wales The Princess of Wales] at the official website of the British royal family * [https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/royal-family/members-royal-family/princess-wales.html The Princess of Wales] at the official website of the Government of Canada * {{NPG name}} * {{IMDb name|2628416|Catherine, Princess of Wales}}
{{s-start}} {{s-hon}} {{s-bef|before=The Duke of Edinburgh<br /><small>as Air Commodore-in-Chief</small>}} {{s-ttl|title=Air Commandant of the Air Training Corps|years=2015–present}} {{s-inc|rows=2}} {{s-bef|before=The Prince of Wales}} {{s-ttl|title=Colonel of the Irish Guards|years=2022–present}} |- {{s-prec|uk}} {{s-bef|before=The Queen}} {{s-ttl|title=Ladies<br />''HRH The Princess of Wales''}} {{s-fol|after=The Duchess of Sussex}} {{s-end}}
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