Congratulations on your birthday, Kate Middleton.
Is there anything Kate Middleton cannot do, from her own wedding cosmetics to preparing her children’s birthday cakes? Read on to learn all you don’t know about the Princess of Wales, who turns 42 on January 9.
Kate Middleton was born in Reading, England, in 1982. She went to Amman, Jordan, with her family when she was two years old because her father, Michael Middleton, worked for British Airways. The Middleton family resided abroad for two and a half years, and the future princess went to nursery school there.
Kate and her younger sister, Pippa Middleton, once had identical nicknames! The princess revealed the news while visiting her former school, St. Andrew’s School in Pangbourne, a decade ago. Kate asked the young students if they had class pets, recalling the names she gave her childhood guinea pigs.
Kate had a special bond with Prince Philip before joining the royal family. While attending Marlborough College, Mary took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a youth development program designed by Prince Philip, her future husband Prince William’s grandpa.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is such a great way for young people to grow in confidence, learn new skills, work as part of a team and have great fun along the way,” she added afterwards. “While getting my Gold Award was challenging at times, it is one of my most memorable experiences from growing up, and I could not recommend it more highly.”
It’s no surprise that she appears so comfortable becoming active at official occasions! Princess Kate grew up participating in sports, particularly the high jump, according to her official biography. While attending St. Andrew’s School from the ages of four to thirteen, she set a track and field record that still holds today, according to The Mirror.
