Rare details about Kate Middleton before she married Prince William

We all love Kate Middleton, AKA Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, or one half of Royal power couple Kate and Wills. Ever since she and Prince William started dating in 2003, the nation has taken her into their hearts, as she now actively serves the country as a remarkable Duchess who will one day become an even more remarkable Queen Consort to husband Prince William. But what did she look like before she became a royal?

A Duchess in the making

We all like to think we know Kate by now, seeing as she and William have been together for a staggering sixteen years, but one day Kate would have only dreamed of being a Princess while watching Disney movies.

Looking back on this fresh-faced Kate, aged just five years old, we can see a young girl full of wonder and innocence, unbeknownst to what her future will entail. She certainly looks like a Duchess in the making!

Birthday girl

Back in 2007, Kate and Wills had a very brief split in early April. But fear not, they were soon back together just a couple months later. However, it was these papped photos of Kate on her 25th birthday that allegedly caused a downward spiral in their relationship.

When leaving her flat alone, Kate was met with swarms of the press, making it a struggle for her to even get to her car. William was furious, and weeks later, he filed a lawsuit against the media with legal action to be taken on the unlawful pursuit and harassment of Kate that was going on at the time.

Wedding bells

Kate and Wills eventually married on April 29, 2011, and it was one of the biggest events of the century so far with an estimated 3.1 billion people worldwide watching the broadcast coverage. It was certainly an extravagant event.

A wedding is a special day for everyone involved, and this is a photo of Kate getting in the wedding spirit at the ceremony for Laura Parker Bowles’s wedding in May 2006. She was invited along at the time as William’s plus one after having been dating him for over three years. Love was in the air! Do you think she caught the bouquet?

Mingling with the ex

An ex is usually someone you hold an inevitable grudge against no matter what, so it was a surprise to everyone when Kate was spotted looking rather chummy with Prince Harry’s ex Chelsy Davy back in July 2006. It was at Beaufort Polo Club, and she and Harry were broken up at the time.

Chelsy and Harry dated on and off for a good number of years from 2004 to 2011, eventually entirely ending their relationship reportedly “due to a clash in lifestyle choices.” However, their romance must have ended somewhat amicably because Chelsy was even invited along to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018.

Supporting her Prince

Perhaps the first time we really knew William and Kate were in it for the long run was when Kate attended his prestigious passing-out parade at Sandhurst. It was a moment when we all knew she could potentially be his future wife because it was an important ceremonial event that even The Queen came along.

This meant that by this time, Kate had officially met the family, grandma included too! Plus she was accompanied by her own parents too, meaning they all must have had a wail of a time together discussing the importance of their future grandchildren.

80s Disco Glam

We rarely get to see the Royals dressed up in anything other than appropriately styled formal wear. There’s a lot of protocol they have to adhere to in order to maintain the family’s decorous reputation.

However, this glimmering 80s disco outfit worn by Kate in 2008 would undoubtedly ruffle a few feathers if she stepped out in it now. Nonetheless, the future-Duchess looked super cool in her neon-colored hot pants and sequin blouse.

A French twist

Kate’s name has never been far from the headlines over the years, with the Duchess not just making a name for herself as Prince William’s wife, but also coming into her own as a fashion style icon.

Here at the Gold Cup Horse race in May 2007, Kate is seen frolicking in the Royal box with pals, sporting a black french beret and an exquisitely detailed scarf. Kate certainly had style even before all the top designer names wanted to work with her.

Charming

During the years that Kate and William were dating, Kate would have been tasked with having to impress family and friends like we all have to. However, when your boyfriend is a royal, things are a little different.

Here she can be seen laughing and joking with William’s private secretary at the time, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton. With Jamie now godson to Prince George, he was certainly someone in William’s life that she had to charm. It looks as though she was doing a swell job.

Chillaxing

Whoever said that royalty requires a golden throne at all times? Here we can see a younger Kate Middleton chilling out on the grass of a polo match in 2006. She looks positively radiant with a glowing tan and a pretty summer dress on too.

Prince William has been an avid polo player for years, and so we can only imagine how distracted he must have always been seeing his beautiful girlfriend cheering him on at the sidelines.

Dancing Queen

Nowadays, it’s a rare sight when we see the Royals let themselves go and forget the title they have to uphold. But when they do, we can’t get enough. This photo is of Kate dancing the night away at one of London’s pre-Wimbledon parties in June 2006.

She’s seen jiving with one of Will’s good friends Guy Pelly, who has since been announced as one of Prince Louis’s godparents during his christening in July 2018.

Feeling the burn

Kate is known to be a keen fitness-fanatic who loves to keep fit with cross-country, circuit training, and the odd game of tennis. However, in July 2007, it seems she was really pushed to her limits when she was invited to take part in a training exercise session with the Sisterhood Cross-Channel rowing team on the banks of the Thames in Chiswick, London.

By the look on her face, you can tell she was put through her paces by the athletes.

Graduation Day

Kate and Wills first met when they were both enrolled to study at St. Andrews University in Scotland. They were roommates during their freshman year, hitting it off as close friends right from the get-go.

Three years later in 2005, Kate graduated with a 2.1 in History of Art. Here she can be seen looking smart with her full graduation attire and a gleeful look on her face. Graduation day is a very proud day indeed.

Hitting the slopes

Kate is also a lover of skiing; the Duchess often being seen out on the slopes and showing off her skills. Here she can be seen in 2005 in her full skiing gear looking a little rosy-cheeked in the mountains of Switzerland.

Since we have even seen the Duchess joined by husband William and their kids for a family vacation in the snow. It looks like they’re definitely going to be a family of talented skiers.

Cool and casual

As we mentioned before, there are allegedly a whole host of fashion rules that Royal Family members have to obey – including an appropriate length of skirt, an appropriate height of heels, and only neutral-colored nail varnishes.

However, of course, these rules only apply to those officially considered ‘royal, so here in 2005, we can see Kate rocking the low waisted jeans and a skin-flaunting vest before the rules of modest fashion would have restricted her.

Sisterhood

Kate’s younger sister Pippa had her moment of fame when her striking beauty caught the attention of the world at Kate’s wedding, but even before this, the two sisters were often seen out having fun together.

Here we can see the two at the launch of Simon Sebag Montefiore’s new book ‘Young Stalin’ in May 2007. They obviously have a loving sister relationship as they are seen with their arms around each other and smiling from ear to ear.

Great hair day

Kate’s hair has always been a talking point of the tabloid gossip, and in this photo taken of her in May 2007, her locks have never looked better. Her soft natural brown tones to her hair complement her green eyes beautifully, and it looks as though she had a blow-dry prior too.

She definitely pulls off a side fringe well. The photo is taken at a party thrown at a top London bar and restaurant, Bluebird.

Ready for the mud

Two things that you would automatically assume don’t go very well together are Royals and festivals. But Kate proves that is not the case. Here in August 2005, Kate is seen at the Festival of British Eventing where she looks quite at home amongst the mud of a festival field.

With her boot wellies and western-style hat in tow, Kate was all smiles as she enjoyed soaking up the summer sun and watching the equestrian festival unfold.

Smiles and laughter

Kate has one of those smiles that makes you instantly smile too. Her gleaming teeth and beaming joyful grin has never looked so beautiful than here in a photo taken back in June 2008. She’s seen enjoying the lively spirit of the 46664 Concert held in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life with a group of friends in the VIP section.

Her beverage in the plastic cup is likely to be helping her enjoy the concert even more so. Cheers to that!

A hat kind of day

Kate has made some great fashion statements over the years, from gorgeous couture dresses to extravagantly expensive jewelry. She has certainly earned the title of one of the best-dressed women of the decade, and the paparazzi are always eagerly waiting to see what she’s wearing at public events.

Her outfit choice here at the Gold Cup Horse Race in 2008 was one of her most iconic looks, with a fitted mac coat and black fedora style hat.

Wimbledon 2019

Another one of Kate’s great style moments was more recently when she attended Wimbledon. Arriving to watch the sport with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Cambridge showed up for the morning spot in this gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana dress.

The dress was a rich green color that fitted the future Queen Consort perfectly. Kate has been seen int he dress before but this time around it seemed extra special. With gold button detail, she wore the dress with some simple hoop and a cream handbag.

Shades of cool

As much as Kate has stepped out in some amazing choices of attire, there have also been a few fashion faux pas too. Perhaps these sunglasses she was seen sporting at Wimbledon in 2006 are one of these missteps.

The dress? Tick. The accessorizing jewelry? Absolutely! The sunnies? Absolutely not. We’re guessing the stylist was shown the door after the press papped her wearing these. Come on Kate. You can do better!

Christening Outfit

Although it was Archie’s day, Kate stood out for all the right reasons at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son’s christening. Choosing a super chic outfit, she went for a Stella McCartney dress that looked just perfect against the gold and green backdrop.

The dress was teamed with a pop of red with a pair of court shoes and a vintage red headband.

Party girl

Having a wild night out on the town is pretty much forbidden when you’re a working royal, but before she married William in 2011, Kate experienced her fair few of these nights. Here she is seen leaving a club in 2007 with sister Pippa, clambering into the back of a taxi.

By the happy looks on their faces they have had a few too many, probably looking a little too merry for the Queen’s liking too.

Student days

Kate was certainly known for being rather wild and free back when she was a student. Excited to get involved in all the student fun, she would always attend every party there was and join in with the student cat walk’s and games.

On one particular day, she had the most fun as she joined her fellow students at an event where they covered each other is shaving foam!

High street chic

Who’s to say a future Duchess needs to shop in Harrods and always wear the best designer clothes? This picture proves Kate certainly didn’t need to look fashionable. Spotted here in 2007, Kate is seen taking a stroll down a London high-street in some simple yet effective high-street fashion pieces – a denim skirt, brown suede boots, and a belted jacket.

You can’t go wrong. We like to call this look high-street chic.

Bletchley Park

Kate’s great grandmother is rather iconic when it comes to World War II, working in one of the top-secret code breaker building Kate likes to return to the place where her grandmother helped shape history.

Wearing an Alexandra Rich number, which again she has been seen in before, she wore this polka dot navy blue and white dress. It seems Kate’s style has rapidly changed since her student days.

Mini Kate

Kate’s popularity as a royal is as strong as ever in 2019, but rewind back to 1985, and you’ll meet a cute toddler named Catherine who looks something like this. Here she is seen climbing some rocks in the Lake District, looking ever so adorable in her tiny multi-colored sweatshirt and pigtails.

Nowadays, Kate is considered an absolute royal icon, a woman who is not just a magnificent Duchess, but also an extraordinary mother and humble philanthropist.