Catherine, Princess of Wales, GCVO (born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on 9 January 1982) is a member of the British royal family.

She is married to William, Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the British throne

Born in Reading, Catherine grew up in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

She was educated at St Andrew's School and Marlborough College before studying art history at the University of St Andrews in Scotland

She held jobs in retail and marketing and pursued charity work before their engagement was announced in November 2010

Catherine holds patronage within over 20 charitable and military organisations, including Action for Children, SportsAid, and the National Portrait Gallery

She undertakes projects through The Royal Foundation, with her charity work focusing on issues surrounding young children, addiction, and art.

The media have called Catherine's impact on British and American fashion the "Kate Middleton effect"

In 2011, 2012, and 2013, Time magazine selected her as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.