CATHERINE THE GREAT
Many happy royal returns. MARION MCMULLEN looks at the Duchess of Cambridge as she turns 40
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The pair were rumoured to have become an item around Christmas 2003 and William later said in his engagement interview: “When I first met Kate I knew there was something very special
about her.” 6
Kate joined fashion chain Jigsaw, owned by friends of her family, in 2006 as an accessories buyer and William popped the question as they enjoyed a safari holiday at Lake Rutundu in Kenya.
The Duchess of Cambridge turns 40 on Sunday and is planning a low-key celebration because of Covid with just close friends and family. The mum-of-three marked her birthday last year in lockdown with Prince William and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
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Her blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring previously belonged to Princess Diana. The 12 carat sapphire is surrounded by 14 diamonds set in a white gold band. William hid the ring in his backpack to surprise Kate on the pair’s romantic getaway. 2
University student Kate Middleton caught the attention of 19-year-old Prince William when she strode down the catwalk in a sheer dress for a charity fashion show. The prince forked out £200 for a front-row seat for the show where Kate appeared in a see-through lace dress which revealed her underwear.
The couple married at Westminster Abbey in 2011 watched by an estimated worldwide audience of two billion. They marked their 10th wedding anniversary last year by releasing a short video of themselves enjoying time outdoors with their three children at their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall, and on sand dunes at a nearby beach.
The couple lived a few doors apart at St Salvator’s hall of residence at St Andrews in Fife in their first year and became friendly, socialising together and playing tennis. Kate admitted that she was “very shy” when first meeting William, blushing bright red.
Their first son, Prince George, was born in 2013 and weighed 8lbs 6oz. Princess Charlotte was born in 2015 and Prince Louis in 2018.
Kate, who is five months older than William, was credited with persuading him to continue his studies when he found it difficult to settle and considered quitting in his first year. She attended his 21st birthday party at Windsor Castle. 10
Kate, in her role as a senior royal, has focused her charity work on early years, young people’s mental health, the visual arts and promoting the benefits of outdoor life. She is also a keen photographer and has released several official photos of her family she’s taken.