Wikipedia

Catherine, Princess of Wales

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Sima Yi (talk | contribs) at 10:52, 18 November 2010 (→Engagement: Minor edit: Wiki-linking "queen" to the Queen consort article.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Middleton (born 9 January 1982) is the fiancée of Prince William of Wales. Since their relationship began, Middleton has received widespread media attention and there has been constant speculation that they would eventually marry. On 16 November 2010, the office of the Prince of Wales, at Clarence House, announced to the media that Middleton and Prince William intend to marry in 2011.

Kate Middleton
a profile headshot of an attractive brunette wearing a black hat with a white feather
FatherMichael Middleton
MotherCarole Middleton

Middleton grew up in Berkshire and after attending Marlborough College, went to the University of St Andrews. She met Prince William, also studying there, in 2001. They soon started a relationship, media attention quickly followed, and in 2005 her lawyer complained of harassment. In April 2007, the press reported that William and Middleton had split up. They continued to be friends, and later in 2007 they reunited. Since then, Middleton has attended many high-profile royal events. She has been admired for her fashion sense and has been placed on numerous "best dressed" lists.

Early life

Middleton was born in Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, the first of three children of Carole Elizabeth (née Goldsmith; born 31 January 1955) – an air hostess – and Michael Francis Middleton (born 23 June 1949), a flight dispatcher for British Airways. Michael and Carole had married on 21 June 1980 at the parish church in Dorney, Buckinghamshire.[1] Middleton is of English descent with distant Scottish and French ancestry.[1] Middleton's paternal family came from Leeds, West Yorkshire, and her great-grandmother Olivia was a member of the Lupton family, who were active for generations in Leeds in commercial and municipal work.[2] Carole Middleton's maternal family, the Harrisons, were working class labourers and miners from County Durham.[3] Middleton has two siblings, Philippa "Pippa" Charlotte[4] and James William.[5] Pippa Middleton, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, has received press coverage since her sister became famous, with focus on her relationships and lifestyle.[6]

In 1987, the Middletons founded their own company, Party Pieces, a mail order firm that sells party supplies and decorations.[7] They have since become millionaires.[2]

She was raised in Bucklebury, Berkshire,[8] and attended St. Andrew's School in Pangbourne, followed by Marlborough College.[9] She attended the University of St Andrews, where she met Prince William, and graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) in history of art.[10]

Relationship with Prince William

Middleton's unsubstantiated status as the girlfriend of Prince William brought her widespread media coverage in the UK and abroad, and she was often photographed on her daily outings. On 17 October 2005, she complained through her lawyer about harassment from the media, stating that she had done nothing significant to warrant such publicity.[11]

In February 2006, it was announced that Middleton would receive her own 24-hour security detail supplied by the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department. This fueled further speculation that she and Prince William would soon be engaged, since she would not, otherwise, be entitled to this service. No engagement occurred, and Middleton was not granted an allowance to fund this security. However, media attention greatly increased around the time of Middleton's 25th birthday in January 2007, prompting warnings from both Prince Charles and Prince William and from Middleton's lawyers, who threatened legal action. As a result, two newspaper groups, News International, which publishes The Times and The Sun, and the Guardian Media Group, publishers of The Guardian, decided to refrain from publishing paparazzi photographs of her.[12]

Middleton attended at least one event as an official royal guest, Prince William's Passing Out Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 15 December 2006.[13]

Breakup and reconciliation

 
with Prince Harry (at left), June 2008

On 14 April 2007 The Sun newspaper broke a "world exclusive" suggesting that Prince William and Kate Middleton had split up.[14] Other media outlets such as the BBC confirmed the story as the day progressed. The couple decided to break up during a holiday in the Swiss resort of Zermatt.[15][16]

Clarence House made only one comment about the relationship's end, according to The Times, stating, "We don't comment on Prince William's private life."[17] Newspapers speculated about the reasons for the split, although these reports relied on anonymous sources. The original report in The Sun quoted a "close friend of the couple" as saying that Middleton felt William had not been paying her enough attention. The paper highlighted reports that William had been spending time with other young women, and said the Prince, aged 24 at the time of the split, felt he was too young to marry.[18]

A report in the Daily Mail blamed a desire by royal courtiers not to "hurry along" a marriage announcement, and William's desire to enjoy his bachelor status within his Army career. The Mail also suggested that William's friend Guy Pelly encouraged the Prince to take a "careless approach" to relationships. The same article suggested that Middleton had "expected too much" in wanting William to demonstrate his commitment to her.[19]

In June 2007, Middleton and Prince William insisted they were "just good friends" following reports of a reconciliation.[20] Middleton and her family attended the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium; however, she and William sat two rows apart.[21] The couple were subsequently seen together in public on a number of occasions, and several news sources, including the BBC and the Daily Mail, stated that they had "rekindled their relationship."[22] Middleton also joined William and Charles on a deerstalking expedition at Balmoral[23] and attended the wedding of William's cousin, Peter Phillips, even though William, due to a prior commitment, did not. In April 2008, Middleton accompanied Prince William when he was awarded his RAF wings at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.[24] On 16 June 2008, Middleton attended William's investiture into the Order of the Garter along with the Royal Family.

Engagement

Main article: Wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton

On 16 November 2010, Clarence House announced that the two are to marry in 2011.[25] The couple became engaged in October 2010 in Kenya, East Africa, during a 10-day trip to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to celebrate William's passing his RAF helicopter search and rescue course.[26][27] The wedding is scheduled for spring or summer of 2011.[28][29] It is customary for royal men to receive a dukedom when they marry – the suggested dukedoms are the Dukedom of Clarence, Dukedom of Cambridge, Dukedom of Connaught or Dukedom of Sussex; Kendal, Avondale, and Strathearn have all also been mooted. As the wife of a royal duke and prince, Middleton would assume the courtesy title of duchess as well as the style of Her Royal Highness.[30]

If William is not given a dukedom or some lower title in his own right, she would be known as Her Royal Highness Princess William of Wales, the female equivalent to her future husband's title. Should William become heir and subsequently become Prince of Wales, Kate will revert to the female equivalent of the title. Finally, should William succeed his father as monarch in the future, it is assumed Kate will, upon the accession of her husband, legally become queen.

2006–present

In November 2006 Middleton accepted a position as an assistant accessories buyer with clothing chain Jigsaw.[31]

In September 2007 it was reported that Middleton was planning to give up her job as an accessories buyer to become a professional photographer. Some months later, it was announced that she intended to take private classes with internationally renowned photographer Mario Testino, who had taken several well-known photographs of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her sons. Middleton and Testino apparently were introduced by Prince William. Testino later denied that Middleton was going to be working for him or had ever worked for him.[32] In December 2007, it was also reported that Middleton had moved in with Prince William at Clarence House, the residence of the Prince of Wales in London.[33] Clarence House later denied this.[34]

On 17 May 2008, Middleton attended the wedding of Prince William's cousin Peter Phillips to Autumn Kelly, which the prince missed attending.[35] On 19 July 2008, Middleton attended the wedding of Lady Rose Windsor and George Gilman. Prince William was away on military operations.

On 28 February 2010, The Times reported that Middleton was pursuing an invasion of privacy suit against photographer Niraj Tanna who took pictures of her over Christmas,[36] although they were never published in Britain. Middleton has not pursued the claim against the photographer as of September 2010.

Fashion icon

Middleton has been featured in numerous best-dressed lists, and was selected by The Daily Telegraph as the "Most Promising Newcomer" in its 2006 list of style winners and losers.[37] Tatler placed her at #8 on its yearly listing of the top ten style icons in 2007.[38] She was also featured in People Magazine's 2007 and 2010 best-dressed list.[39] Middleton was named as one of Richard Blackwell's ten "Fabulous Fashion Independents" of 2007.[40] In June 2008 Style.com selected Middleton as its monthly beauty icon.[41] In July 2008 Middleton was included in Vanity Fair's international best-dressed list.[42]

References

  1. ^ a b "Ancestry of Kate Middleton". wargs.com. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  2. ^ a b "The Leeds connection..." Yorkshire Evening Post. Cite error: The named reference "Yorkshire Post" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ Wilson, Christopher (22 December 2006). "Kate, the coal miner's". Daily Mail. London.
  4. ^ "Person Page – 19582". thePeerage.com. 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  5. ^ Joseph, Claudia (22 March 2009). "Revealed: Secrets of the Middletons' money and how Kate's ancestors made a fortune". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 23 March 2009.
  6. ^ Nicholl, Katie (21 April 2007). "First Kate, now sister Pippa splits from heir". Daily Mail. London.
  7. ^ "about us". partypieces.co.uk. 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  8. ^ "Profiles – Kate Middleton". Hello!. 2001–08. Retrieved 9 August 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)
  9. ^ "World press gather outside Middleton family home in Bucklebury as royal relationship ends". Newbury Today. 14 April 2007.
  10. ^ "Katie is just not waiting: Middleton works nine to five for parents in mundane office job". Evening Standard. 2 September 2008. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  11. ^ Ex-royal aide condemns paparazzi BBC News Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  12. ^ Rubin, Courtney; Nudd, Tim (16 January 2007). "Kate Middleton Seeks Privacy from Paparazzi". People. Retrieved 14 April 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Royal Wedding: The Kate Middleton story 'BBC News'.' Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  14. ^ Larcombe, Duncan (14 April 2007). "Wills and Kate split". The Sun. London. Retrieved 15 April 2007.
  15. ^ Larcombe, Duncan (9 May 2007). "Wills & Kate: Tears in the Alps". London: The Sun.
  16. ^ "Prince William splits from Kate". BBC. 14 April 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  17. ^ Queen for Less Than a Day: Kate Middleton, Prince William Break Up The Hollywood Gossip Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  18. ^ Matthews, Jane (13 September 2010) 'Prince William to Marry Kate Middleton in 2012’ – Before Olympics The Express Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  19. ^ Wilson, Christopher (14 April 2007). "A historic act of folly and supreme egotism on the part of the Prince". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 15 April 2007.
  20. ^ Larcombe, Duncan (29 June 2007). "Wills and Kate are 'just friends'". London: The Sun.
  21. ^ "Chelsy and Harry get close at the Diana concert ... but Kate and William keep us guessing". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 1 July 2007.
  22. ^ "'Paparazzi chase' concerns prince". BBC News. 5 October 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  23. ^ "Deer hunter Kate under fire for going shooting with Royals". Daily Mail. London. 15 October 2007.
  24. ^ "Prince Wills has got his wings". The Sun. London. 11 April 2008.
  25. ^ Royal wedding: Prince William to marry Kate Middleton BBC News
  26. ^ "Prince William to marry Kate Middleton next year". BBC News. 2010-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ "Royal wedding: profile of Kate Middleton". The Daily Telegraph. UK. 16 November 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  28. ^ Boden, Nicola (16 November 2010) Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged and will marry in 2011 Daily Mail'.' Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  29. ^ Lyall, Sarah (16 November 2010) Prince William Is Engaged to Be Married The New York Times'.' Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  30. ^ "Kate Middleton will inherit a host of titles". Mirror.co.uk. 16 November 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  31. ^ "Kate Middleton lands job with fashion chain Jigsaw". The Daily Telegraph. London. 1 December 2006. Retrieved 14 April 2007.
  32. ^ Rubin, Courtney (12 February 2008). "Mario Testino: Kate Middleton Isn't Working for Me!". The People. Retrieved 12 February 2008.
  33. ^ Larcombe, Duncan (10 March 2007). "Wills is cooped up with his bird". London: The Sun. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
  34. ^ Alderson, Andrew (31 December 2007). "Rings for Prince William and Kate Middleton?". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 21 April 2008.
  35. ^ Alderson, Andrew. Royal wedding: Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly tie the knot, The Telegraph, 17 May 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
  36. ^ The Times
  37. ^ Clare Coulson (3 January 2007). "Style Winners and Losers". London: Telegraph. Retrieved 6 July 2008.
  38. ^ Unknown (5 March 2007). "Kate Middleton in poll of top 10 style icons". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 6 July 2008.
  39. ^ Unknown (12 September 2007). "Knowles, Stefani make mags 'best dressed'". Associated Press via USA Today. Retrieved 6 July 2008.
  40. ^ Unknown (9 January 2007). "Posh and Amy Winehouse named as the wost-dressed celebrities of 2007". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 6 July 2008.
  41. ^ Evelyn Crowley (2008-06). "Kate Middleton". style.com. Retrieved 6 July 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ^ The International Best-Dressed List. Vanity Fair. 29 July 2008. Retrieved 31 July 2008.
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kate Middleton.

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Catherine,_Princess_of_Wales&oldid=397474088"