Catherine, Princess of Wales

Journey to Royalty

From her roots as Catherine Middleton, a private citizen with a professional and scholarly background, Catherine’s journey to royalty formally began when Prince William proposed in Kenya in October 2010, and their engagement was publicly announced on 16 November 2010.¹ Their wedding on 29 April 2011, at Westminster Abbey, marked her entrance into the British royal family; on this day she became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, and Baroness Carrickfergus.² Nearly eleven years later, upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, William became Prince of Wales, and Catherine acquired the title Princess of Wales.³ Throughout this time, she transitioned from a young, academic student and part‐time public figure into a central figure of the monarchy, fully embracing the duties, public scrutiny, and symbolic importance that accompany her royal status.

References

1. History of Royal Women – “Catherine’s engagement in Kenya … announced … November 2010.” History of Royal Women
2. Wikipedia – Catherine’s marriage date and her acquisition of titles on the wedding day. Wikipedia+2History of Royal Women+2
3. Wikipedia and related sources – Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022; William’s elevation to Prince of Wales and Catherine’s becoming Princess of Wales

The Engagement Announcement

On 16 November 2010, Clarence House issued an official statement that Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton were engaged and would be married in the spring or summer of 2011.¹ The engagement itself had taken place the previous month, during a private holiday in Kenya, where William surprised Catherine with the engagement ring that once belonged to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales — an oval-sapphire surrounded by fourteen diamonds set in 18-carat white gold.² At the announcement, the couple appeared for a photo call at St James’s Palace. Catherine wore a sapphire blue Issa wrap dress that closely matched the engagement ring and made headlines instantly.³ In the official statement, William expressed his happiness, while the Queen reportedly gave her formal consent that very morning under the Royal Marriages Act 1772.⁴

References

1. “The wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton,” The Royal Family official site. The Royal Family
2. “Catherine, Princess of Wales,” Wikipedia article. Wikipedia
4. The Guardian, “How ‘commoner’ Kate Middleton won Prince William’s heart,” Stephen Bates, 17 November 2010. The Guardian
5. “The wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton,” y

The Royal Wedding of 2011

On 29 April 2011, Catherine Middleton and Prince William married at Westminster Abbey, watched by millions worldwide.¹

Catherine arrived at 11 a.m. with her father, carrying a bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William, ivy, and hyacinth.²

Her gown, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, was ivory satin with lace appliqué and national floral emblems.³

William, granted the titles Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, and Baron Carrickfergus, waited at the altar.

The Dean of Westminster officiated, the Archbishop of Canterbury married them, and the Bishop of London delivered the sermon.⁴

The couple rode in a horse-drawn carriage to Buckingham Palace, greeted by cheering crowds, followed by a reception hosted by the Queen and a private dinner by Prince Charles.⁵

References

1. Britannica, “Prince William and Catherine Middleton: The Royal Wedding of 2011.” Encyclopedia Britannica+1
2. The Royal Family Official Website, “The wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton.” The Royal Family+2History of Royal Women+2
3. Britannica & History of Royal Women, details of the dress by Sarah Burton and floral symbolism. Encyclopedia Britannica+1
4. Britannica, “The wedding” section and Westminster Abbey officiants. Encyclopedia Britannica
5. The Royal Family Official Website, “The wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton,” and related sources on procession and receptions. The Royal Family+1

Becoming the Duchess of Cambridge

Upon her marriage to Prince William on 29 April 2011, Catherine Middleton became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.¹ Queen Elizabeth II granted William the Dukedom of Cambridge and Scottish titles.

As Duchess, Catherine embraced her role with grace, undertaking royal duties, patronages, charitable work, and public appearances. She focused on causes like early childhood development and mental health.²

She held the Duchess title until September 2022. After Queen Elizabeth II’s death, William became Prince of Wales, and Catherine’s title changed to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.³

References

1. The Royal Family Official Website – “Titles Announced for Prince William and Catherine Middleton.” (royal.uk)
2. Wikipedia – Catherine, Princess of Wales, section “Duchess of Cambridge.” (en.wikipedia.org)
3. BBC News – “Catherine, Princess of Wales: Charities and Initiatives,” 2022. (bbc.com)

The Transition to Princess of Wales

On 8 September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William became the Prince of Wales, and Catherine formally assumed the title of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.¹ This marked the first time the title had been held since the late Princess Diana, bringing both historical significance and heightened public attention.² While she had already carried out numerous royal duties as the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine’s new role expanded her responsibilities across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, reinforcing her position as a senior member of the royal family.³ She continued to focus on charitable initiatives, particularly in the fields of early childhood development, mental health, and the arts, blending public service with her personal passions.⁴ The transition was widely celebrated and carefully managed, reflecting Catherine’s ability to honor royal tradition while cultivating her own identity within the monarchy.⁵

References

1. Business Insider – “Royal Family Member New Titles After Queen Elizabeth II’s Death,” September 2022. (businessinsider.com)
2. Wikipedia – Catherine, Princess of Wales. (en.wikipedia.org)
3. Royal Family Official Website – “The Royal Family: Roles and Duties.” (royal.uk)
4. BBC News – “Catherine, Princess of Wales: Charities and Initiatives,” 2022. (bbc.com)
5. The Guardian – “Catherine Steps Into Princess of Wales Role,” September 2022. (theguardian.com)