Even as a little girl you watched fairy tales with princesses. You’ve probably dreamed more than once of becoming one of them. Have your own prince and a big castle to live in. But one day you grew up and forgot about it. However, we know the story where Cinderella charms the prince. The royal of the 21st century – Duchess Kate Middleton. Learn more about her story.

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Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Kate Middleton was born in Reading, Berkshire, her parents founded a mail-order business called Party Pieces, through which they made a fortune selling party-related accessories. This made it possible to provide a careful education for the children. Kate Middleton, as a 13-year-old attending a prestigious all-female boarding school(Downe House), did not have an easy life: friends say she was unable to find her way in the hermetic environment. As a result, her parents transferred her to Marlborough College, where she did much better. Increasing education, experience and confidence proved to be a straight path toward a relationship with Prince William.

Cinderella charms the prince. Queen of the 21st century - Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton

“He’s the lucky one who walks with me.”

…Kate responded when a friend said that it was very lucky for her – to be dating Prince William. The couple met on University of St. Andrews, Scotland, at which they studied together, and additionally lived in the same house on campus. Interestingly, already in their second year of college, they rented an apartment together with two other friends, only to live in more intimate conditions a year later. The skiing trip, during which they were captured by a photojournalist, finally confirmed that they have a closer relationship. The relationship, however, was quite turbulent, and there was even a breakup in 2007. However, Kate and William could not forget each other and the separation did not last long.

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History likes to repeat itself

The couple’s engagement was officially announced after eight years of relationship, on November 16, 2010. It is significant that Kate on her finger wears an engagement ring that belonged to Princess Diana, William’s mother. The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the venue was held at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. Interestingly, the wedding day was a public holiday (“national holiday”) in the UK. However, this is not the end of interesting facts about the nuptials: the passage of the bride and groom through the streets of London was watched by a million people, and half a million people arrived at Buckingham Palace after the ceremony.

A note of modernity also entered the conventionalized ceremony: the ceremony could also be seen online (on the British monarchy’s official YouTube channel). Kate’s dress design was closely guarded until the last moment. This one was made of handmade lace sewn onto tulle, so it created a pattern of flowers. Reportedly, workers making the dress washed their hands every 30 minutes to avoid soiling the fabric. The total cost of the ceremony is estimated at £20 million. Even in terms of nuptial fees, William and Kate made some deviations from custom: the bride’s parents contributed to the cost of organizing the ceremony and wedding, and the state budget financed the security costs.

Who is afraid of Kate Middleton?

Some people value modesty and naturalness most in the Duchess, her trump card being that she comes from an “ordinary” family. When she waited eight years to propose to Prince William, the nickname “Waity Katie” was attached to her, and malicious people accused her of being boring. Perhaps it was a matter of good grades for the future duchess, who got the highest mark during her matriculation in mathematics. Kate continues to break with some of the court’s traditions: until recently, she wore dresses from chain stores, and asked for charitable donations instead of wedding gifts. Kate’s bold steps may be cause for concern, as a possible divorce could spell the end of the monarchy, in view of which fears of a departure from tradition should come as no surprise.

Cinderella charms the prince. The Queen of the 21st Century. Prince Harry
Kate Middleton

Some say: a misalliance, others: a chance to restore the power of the monarchy. One thing is certain, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton is one of the world’s most influential women.

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