Kate Middleton

Infobox Person
name = Kate Middleton


image_size = 150px
caption = Prince Harry and Middleton at Prince William's Order of the Garter investiture
birth_date = Birth date and age|1982|1|9|df=yes
birth_place = Reading, Berkshire, England
death_date =
death_place =
occupation =
spouse =
parents = Michael Middleton
Carole Middleton (née Goldsmith)
children =

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton (born 9 January 1982) is the girlfriend of Prince William of Wales. Since their relationship first began, Middleton has received widespread media attention and there has been constant speculation that they will eventually marry.

Born in 1982, Middleton grew up in Berkshire, and after attending Marlborough College went to the University of St Andrews. There she met Prince William, also studying there, in 2001. They soon started a relationship, and media attention soon followed, and in 2005 her lawyer complained of harassment. In April 2007, it emerged in the press that William and Middleton had split up. They continued to be friends, and later in 2007 the pair 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

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born on 9 January 1982 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, the daughter of Michael Francis Middleton (born 23 June 1949) and Carole Elizabeth (née Goldsmith; born 31 January 1955).cite web|url=http://www.wargs.com/other/middleton.html|title=Ancestry of Kate Middleton|accessdate=2008-08-09|author=|last=|first=|year=|format=|work=|publisher=wargs.com] Middleton, an airline pilot, and Goldsmith, an air stewardess, had married on 21 June 1980 at the Parish Church in Dorney, Buckinghamshire. Kate Middleton's paternal family came from Leeds in West Yorkshire, and her grandmother was a member of the Lupton family, who were active for generations in Leeds in commercial and municipal work.cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/features/The-Leeds-connection.1760281.jp|title=The Leeds connection...|first=|last=|publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post|date=] Carole Middleton's maternal family, the Harrisons, were working class labourers and miners from County Durham.cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-424446/Kate-coal-miners-girl.html|title=Kate, the coal miner's |first=Christopher|last=Wilson|publisher="Daily Mail"|date=22 December 2006] In 1987, the Middletons founded their own company, Party Pieces, a mail order firm that sells party paraphernalia.cite web|url=http://www.partypieces.co.uk/cm/aboutus.htm|title=about us|accessdate=2008-08-09|author=|last=|first=|year=2008|format=|work=|publisher=partypieces.co.uk] They have since become millionaires.cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/princewilliam/Generation-whyshouldI.4176797.jp|title=Generation why-should-I?|first=|last=|publisher="The Scotsman"|date=11 June 2008]

Michael and Carole Middleton had two further children, Philippa "Pippa" Charlotte (born 1983)cite web|url=http://www.thepeerage.com/p19582.htm|title=Person Page - 19582|accessdate=2008-08-09|author=|last=|first=|year=2007|format=|work=|publisher=thePeerage.com] and James William (born 1987).cite web|url=http://www.thepeerage.com/p20281.htm#i202809|title=Person Page - 20281|accessdate=2008-08-09|author=|last=|first=|year=2006|format=|work=|publisher=thePeerage.com] 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.cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-449861/First-Kate-sister-Pippa-splits-heir.html|title=First Kate, now sister Pippa splits from heir|first=Katie|last=Nicholl|publisher="Daily Mail"|date=21 April 2007] Kate Middleton grew up in Bucklebury, Berkshire,cite web|url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/katemiddleton/|title=Profiles - Kate Middleton|accessdate=2008-08-09|author=|last=|first=|year=2001-08|format=|work=|publisher="Hello!"] and attended St. Andrew's School in Pangbourne, Berkshire followed by Marlborough College in Wiltshire.cite news|url=http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=4152|title=World press gather outside Middleton family home in Bucklebury as royal relationship ends|first=|last=|publisher="Newbury Today"|date=14 April 2007]

Relationship with Prince William

Middleton's 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 much publicity.

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 Guardian Media Group, publishers of "The Guardian" and "The Observer", decided to refrain from publishing paparazzi photographs of her. [cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20008646,00.html | title=Kate Middleton Seeks Privacy from Paparazzi | accessdate=2007-04-14 | author=Rubin, Courtney; Nudd, Tim | publisher="People" | date=2007-01-16]

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.

Despite no official engagement, retailers such as Woolworths have prepared commemorative merchandise to be ready should an engagement announcement occur.cite web | title=No engagement yet, but royal wedding souvenirs in the works | url=http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2006/11/17/william-woolworths.html | accessdate=2007-04-14 | publisher=cbc.ca | date=2006-11-17]

End of relationship and reconciliation

On 14 April 2007 "The Sun" newspaper broke a 'world exclusive' suggesting that Prince William and Kate Middleton had split up. [cite web |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007170373,00.html |title=Wills and Kate split |publisher=The Sun |date=2007-04-14 |accessdate=2007-04-15] 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. [cite web |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007170483,00.html |title=Wills & Kate: Tears in the Alps |publisher=The Sun] [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6554841.stm |title=Prince William splits from Kate |publisher=BBC]

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." Newspapers speculated about the reasons of 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.

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. [cite web |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=448696&in_page_id=1770 |title=A historic act of folly and supreme egotism on the part of the Prince |publisher=Daily Mail |date=2007-04-14 |accessdate=2007-04-15]

In June 2007, Middleton and Prince William insisted they were "just good friends" following reports of a reconciliation. [cite web |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007290083,00.html |title=Wills and Kate are 'just friends' |publisher=The Sun] Middleton and her family attended the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium; however, she and William sat two rows apart. [cite web |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=465530&in_page_id=1773 |title=Chelsy and Harry get close at the Diana concert ... but Kate and William keep us guessing] |publisher=Daily Mail |accessdate=2007-07-01] Since then, the couple has been seen together in public on a number of occasions, and according to several news sources including the BBC and the Daily Mail, have now "rekindled their relationship". [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7030599.stm |title='Paparazzi chase' concerns prince |publisher=BBC News] Middleton also joined William and Charles on a deerstalking expedition at Balmoral [cite web |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=487517&in_page_id=1770 |title=Deer hunter Kate under fire for going shooting with Royals] and attended the wedding of William's cousin, Peter Phillips even though William, due to a prior commitment, did not. On 16 June 2008, Middleton attended the event of William's investment into the Order of the Garter along with the Royal Family.

Recent events

In early 2006, it was rumoured that Middleton intended to found her own mail order company. However, a key investor stepped down, and Middleton decided to hold off on this plan. In November 2006, she accepted a position as an assistant accessories buyer with the British clothing chain Jigsaw. [cite web | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=419877&in_page_id=1770 | title=Kate Middleton lands job with fashion chain Jigsaw | accessdate=2007-04-14 | publisher="The Daily Telegraph" | date=2006-12-01]

Prince William himself has stated that he does not intend to marry until he is at least 28 or at 30.cite web | title=I'm Too Young to Marry | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005150615,00.html | accessdate=2007-04-14 | author=Larcombe, Duncan | publisher=The Sun]

In March 2007, the "Daily Mail" also, for the first time, painted Middleton in an unflattering light. The article claimed that Middleton had started to use her status as Prince William's girlfriend to her advantage, that she had accepted free gifts, such as a £1,000 Burberry Manor bag and a £300 handbag from Melissa del Bono. According to the "Daily Mail", Audi gave Middleton a discount after she bargained with them for a new car. Another claim was that she had argued with a parking warden on receiving a ticket and used front doors (after fixing her hair and makeup) to leave night clubs instead of private exits, allowing the paparazzi to take photos, even though she had threatened legal action against photographers in the past. Finally, the article suggested that Middleton had had little contact with her university friends since becoming involved with Prince William. [cite web | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/femail/article.html?in_article_id=441343&in_page_id=1879 | title=Prince William has a very savvy young lady... | accessdate=2007-04-14 | author=Bracchi, Paul | publisher="Daily Mail" | date=2007-03-10]

In September 2007, it was reported that Middleton was planning to give up her job as an accessories buyer to become a professional photographer. Moreover, it was said that she wanted to take some time for herself. 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 the 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. [cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20177628,00.html | title=Mario Testino: Kate Middleton Isn't Working for Me! | accessdate=2008-02-12 | author=Rubin, Courtney | publisher="The People" | date=2008-02-12] 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. [cite web | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/royals/article599986.ece | title=Wills is cooped up with his bird | accessdate=2007-12-19 | author=Larcombe, Duncan | publisher="The Sun" | date=2007-03-10] Clarence House later denied this. [cite web | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/12/30/nroyal130.xml/ | title=Rings for Prince William and Kate Middleton? | accessdate=2008-04-21 | author=Alderson, Andrew | publisher="The Telegraph" | date=2007-12-31]

In April 2008, Prince William landed his RAF Chinook helicopter in the back garden of Middleton's parents' home. This sparked controversy over the use of RAF equipment being at the prince's disposal. [cite web |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=560834&in_page_id=1770&ico=Homepage&icl=TabModule&icc=picbox&ct=5 |title=Prince William's '£30K stunt' as he lands RAF helicopter in Kate's back garden |publisher=Daily Mail Online]

On 17 May 2008, Middleton attended the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly, which Prince William missed to attend the wedding of his ex-girlfriend's brother. [cite web | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/1976931/Royal-wedding-Peter-Phillips-and-Autumn-Kelly-tie-the-knot.html/ | title=Royal wedding: Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly tie the knot | accessdate=2008-05-18 | author=Alderson, Andrew | publisher="The Telegraph" | date=2008-05-18] On 19 July 2008, Middleton attended the wedding of Lady Rose Windsor and George Gilman. Prince William was away on military operations.

Fashion Icon

Middleton has also become known for her style and has been featured in numerous best dressed lists. Middleton was selected by The Telegraph as the "Most Promising Newcomer" in their 2006 list of style winners and losers. [cite web | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Slideshow/slideshowContentFrameFragXL.jhtml;jsessionid3D2FPCC1RV2W5QFIQMFSFFOAVCBQ0IV0?xml=/fashion/2007/01/03/pixdressed03.xml&site=fashion| title=Style Winners and Losers | accessdate=2008-07-06 | author=Clare Coulson | publisher=Telegraph | date=2007-01-03] Tatler placed her at #8 on their yearly listing of the top ten style icons in 2007. [cite web | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-440086/Kate-Middleton-poll-style-icons.html| title=Kate Middleton in poll of top 10 style icons| accessdate=2008-07-06 | author=unknown | publisher=Daily Mail | date=2007-03-05 ] She was also featured in People Magazine's 2007 best dressed list. [cite web | url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-09-12-bestdressed_N.htm| title=Knowles, Stefani make mags 'best dressed'| accessdate=2008-07-06 | author=Unknown | publisher=Associated Press via USA Today | date=2007-09-12] Middleton was named as one of Richard Blackwell's ten "Fabulous Fashion Independents" of 2007. [cite web | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-507010/Posh-Amy-Winehouse-named-worst-dressed-celebrities-2007.html| title=Posh and Amy Winehouse named as the wost-dressed celebrities of 2007| accessdate=2008-07-06 | author=Unknown | publisher=Daily Mail| date=2007-01-09] In June 2008 style.com selected Middleton as their monthly beauty icon. [cite web | url=http://www.style.com/beauty/icon/062008| title=Kate Middleton| accessdate=2008-07-06 | author=Evelyn Crowley | publisher=style.com | date=2008-06] In July 2008 Middleton was named on Vanity Fair's international best dressed list. [ [http://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2008/09/bestdressed_slideshow200809?slide=4#globalNav The International Best-Dressed List] . Vanity Fair. July 29 2008. Accessed on July 31 2008.]

Notes

External links

* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4397065.stm Profile] at bbc.co.uk