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Politics & World • British royalty

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is the title held by Catherine Elizabeth Middleton after her marriage to Prince William in 2011.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is the title held by Catherine Elizabeth Middleton after her marriage to Prince William in 2011. She used the title until 2022, when she became Princess of Wales after William was created Prince of Wales. She is a member of the British royal family and the wife of the heir apparent to the British throne.

Background

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born in Reading, England, in 1982. Before marriage, she was known as Catherine Middleton or Kate Middleton.

Marriage and title

She married Prince William on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey and received the title Duchess of Cambridge, along with related Scottish and Northern Irish titles.

Role in the royal family

As Duchess of Cambridge, she carried out official royal duties and patronages. She is part of the immediate royal family as the wife of the heir apparent, and later became Princess of Wales.

Children

Catherine and William have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Their births placed the children in the line of succession to the British throne.

Key facts

  • She became Duchess of Cambridge upon marrying Prince William at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011.
  • The couple have three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis.
  • She was known formally as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge until 2022.
  • In September 2022, she became Princess of Wales when William was created Prince of Wales.
  • Her birth name is Catherine Elizabeth Middleton.
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Canadian context

Catherine’s role as a senior member of the British royal family is closely followed in Canada, a Commonwealth realm where the monarch is also head of state.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Duchess of Cambridge?
Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, the wife of Prince William, held the title Duchess of Cambridge from 2011 to 2022.
When did she become Duchess of Cambridge?
She became Duchess of Cambridge on 29 April 2011, the day she married Prince William.
What is her current title?
Her current title is Princess of Wales.
How many children does she have?
She has three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
What title did she use in Scotland?
In Scotland, she was formally styled Countess of Strathearn rather than Duchess of Cambridge.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine,_Princess_of_Wales
    Supports: Marriage date, title of Duchess of Cambridge, children, later title change to Princess of Wales.
  2. The Royal Familyhttps://www.royal.uk/the-princess-of-wales
    Supports: Official royal family confirmation of marriage, children, and former title as Duchess of Cambridge.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Catherine-princess-of-Wales
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, and current consort title.
  4. Iowa State Universityhttps://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/catherine-duchess-cambridge
    Supports: Birth details, marriage, title as Duchess of Cambridge, and charitable/public roles.