Published on 12/06/2024 at 09:30 by Sharleen McAleavy
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Kate Middleton has a rare star sign

Kate Middleton has a rare star sign © Samir Hussein / Getty Images

Kate Middleton was born on 9 January 1982, which makes her the only Capricorn in the Royal family. The most common signs in the Firm are Tauruses and Leos.

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Kate Middleton didn't live in the UK for her entire childhood

Kate Middleton didn't live in the UK for her entire childhood © Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Kate Middleton's father, Michael, was a flight dispatcher for British Airways. As such, he travelled a lot and took his family with him. The future Duchess lived in Jordan for almost three years and went to nursery there.

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Kate Middleton's nickname was Squeak

Kate Middleton's nickname was Squeak © Max Mumby / Getty Images

In primary school, Kate Middleton was nicknamed Squeak, after the school's guinea pigs: Squeak and Pip. Pip was named after Kate's sister, Pippa Middleton.

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Kate Middleton's middle name has got a Royal connection

Kate Middleton's middle name has got a Royal connection © Max Mumby / Getty Images

Kate's middle name is Elizabeth, which is also the name of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her daughter, Princess Charlotte, has also got the same middle name.

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Kate Middleton has got a connection to one of the Founding Fathers of America

Kate Middleton has got a connection to one of the Founding Fathers of America © Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Kate Middleton is the eighth cousin, seven times removed, of one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, George Washington.

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Kate Middleton was a church choir girl

Kate Middleton was a church choir girl © Karwai Tang / Getty Images

Kate Middleton, like her daughter Princess Charlotte, loves to sing. When she was little, she used to be a church choir girl.

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Kate Middleton acted in a school play

Kate Middleton acted in a school play © Samir Hussein / Getty Images

When she was a schoolgirl, Kate Middleton played the part of Eliza Doolittle in her school's rendition of My Fair Lady.

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Prince William wasn't Kate Middleton's childhood crush

Prince William wasn't Kate Middleton's childhood crush © Max Mumby / Getty Images

Growing up, Kate Middleton did not have a poster of Prince William in her bedroom, unlike many others girls her age. Instead, she had a Levi's Jeans model poster.

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Kate Middleton set an athletic record as a child

Kate Middleton set an athletic record as a child © Chris Jackson / Getty Images

At her primary school, Kate Middleton jumped 1.5m high at her high jump event, a record that remains unbeaten to this day.

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Kate Middleton has got an eclectic education

Kate Middleton has got an eclectic education © Karwai Tang / Getty Images

Before studying arts at the St Andrews University, where she met Prince William, Kate Middleton studied biology, chemistry and art for her A levels.

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Kate Middleton went to the same school as a member of the Royal Family

Kate Middleton went to the same school as a member of the Royal Family © Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Kate Middleton was a student at Marlborough College, in Wiltshire. Prince William's cousin, Princess Eugenie also attended. Although, they did not attend at the same time.

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Kate Middleton graduated from St Andrews with a 2.1 GPA

Kate Middleton graduated from St Andrews with a 2.1 GPA © Max Mumby / Getty Images

She graduated in 2005 from St Andrews University.

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Kate Middleton partied a lot at university

Kate Middleton partied a lot at university © Chris Jackson / Getty Images

During her time at St Andrews, she co-founded a female drinking society. She also took part in a charity fashion show.

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Kate Middleton is a keen sports player

Kate Middleton is a keen sports player © Max Mumby / Getty Images

Kate Middleton plays tennis, hockey, netball, and loves wild swimming. 

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Kate Middleton's cousin is a burlesque dancer

Kate Middleton's cousin is a burlesque dancer © Max Mumby / Getty Images

Kate Middleton's cousin, Katrina Darling, is a private wealth manager and burlesque dancer. One of her most famous acts is even called God Save the Queen!

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She's got the 'Kate effect'

She's got the 'Kate effect' © Samir Hussein / Getty Images

When the Duchess wears something, it is usually sold-out within hours. This is called the ‘Kate effect’ and actually started out when she was younger, as soon as she started dating Prince William.

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Kate Middleton's favourite dessert is a British classic

Kate Middleton's favourite dessert is a British classic © Max Mumby / Getty Images

Her favourite dessert is the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding!

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Kate Middleton had her home decorated by her favourite interior designer

Kate Middleton had her home decorated by her favourite interior designer © Max Mumby / Getty Images

Kate Middleton's favourite interior designer, Ben Pentreath, decorated both Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall, with the Duchess' help. 

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Kate Middleton has held several regular jobs

Kate Middleton has held several regular jobs © Max Mumby / Getty Images

Before becoming a Princess, Kate Middleton worked as a deckhand and a waitress. 

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Kate Middleton is a fan of boats

Kate Middleton is a fan of boats © Tim Clayton / Getty Images

Before going to university, Kate Middleton took a gap year, just like her future husband. She went to Florence, Italy, and spent some time on boats on the Solent. She is also a keen rower.

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Kate Middleton loves scuba diving

Kate Middleton loves scuba diving © Simon Bruty / Getty Images

The Duchess loves scuba diving, she even got her advanced diving qualification. Kate Middleton and Prince William went scuba diving together in Belize, in 2022.

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Kate Middleton pursued a career in fashion

Kate Middleton pursued a career in fashion © Max Mumby / Getty Images

After graduating from St Andrews, Kate Middleton worked as an accessories buyer for British retailer Jigsaw

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Kate Middleton is also a keen photographer

Kate Middleton is also a keen photographer © Chris Jackson / Getty Images

The Duchess is an honorary member of the Royal Society of Photographers. Her photographs have also been chosen in the magazine Country Life.

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Kate Middleton's wedding was the most watched event in royal history

Kate Middleton's wedding was the most watched event in royal history © Max Mumby / Getty Images

Kate Middleton married Prince William on 29 April 2011. The event was watched by 26 million people live.

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Kate Middleton did her own make-up for her wedding

Kate Middleton did her own make-up for her wedding © Max Mumby / Getty Images

On her wedding day, the Duchess hired a make-up artist called Arabella Preston to give her some tips, but she eventually did her own make-up.

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Kate Middleton's wedding dress had a hidden detail

Kate Middleton's wedding dress had a hidden detail © Samir Hussein / Getty Images

On her wedding day, Kate Middleton followed an old tradition by wearing something old (her dress was traditionally laced with the Carrickmacross technique), something new (a pair of diamond earrings), something borrowed (her iconic halo tiara), and something blue (a blue ribbon sewn into the interior of her dress). 

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Kate Middleton has a musical ability

Kate Middleton has a musical ability © Chris Jackson / Getty Images

The Duchess can play the piano. She even surprised the audience during a special Christmas carol performance alongside Scottish artist Tom Walker. 

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Kate Middleton is allergic to something Royals adore

Kate Middleton is allergic to something Royals adore © Karwai Tang / Getty Images

The Duchess is reportedly allergic to horses, and Prince George looks like he could be as well. 

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Kate Middleton's favourite drink is not what you expect

Kate Middleton's favourite drink is not what you expect © Samir Hussein / Getty Images

Kate Middleton enjoys a good pint of Guinness, especially during official visits to Ireland, of course! 

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She also enjoys a good G&T

She also enjoys a good G&T © Samir Hussein / Getty Images

According to a friend of the couple, Prince William sometimes brings his wife a Gin & Tonic in bed after they put the kids to sleep.