12 Pictures Of Kate Middleton Over The Years That Were Rarely Seen Before

Jul 16, 2021

Kate Middleton has been in the spotlight for well over the 10 years she's been married to Prince Wiliam. Having grown up in a well-to-do family, Middleton's background saw her grow up adjacent to the British aristocracy due to her father's ties. Then, once the couple was rumored to be dating during their time studying together at St. Andrews, Middleton became a fixture in the press and she's stayed there ever since.

The public has seen the Duchess of Cambridge mature into the woman she is today — from her early 20s as a student and the beginning of her romance with William to more recent occasions in which she's become one of the most prominent working royals.

Known for being poised and classy at all times, she constantly showcases her beauty and grace with everything from her impeccable sense of style to her smart mannerisms and attitude. It's no surprise that she's become a true style icon of the modern age as well as a dearly loved member of the royal family.

We've been witness to key moments in her life, the major ones which undoubtedly include her stunning wedding in 2011 and the birth of her and William's three gorgeous children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. But there have also been many other times that received far less attention, which still showcased Middleton's wonderful personality and kind demeanor.

In honor of Middelton's incredible growth and grace over the years, let's take a look at some photos of her that are not seen as often.

Looking adorable even as a little girl of 3, Kate Middleton is pictured here on a family holiday at the Lake District in England's northwest. Her lifelong love of physical activity and sports is apparent here, as she's showing her love of adventure while she climbs on some rocks. Her colorful sweater and cute pigtails could even be seen as a sign of her love of fashion later in life too.

Sitting in the center of the front row, Middleton's love of sports was clear even from a young age. Having played field hockey for a number of years while she was growing up, she's pictured here from her time at St. Andrew's Prep School. The photo was taken on a day in which activities and sports were observed named St. Andrew's Day.

Pictured here on her graduation day from the University of St. Andrews, Middleton had already lived with her future husband in shared accommodation. While she graduated with a degree in art history, Prince William got his Master's degree in geography. In another photo from the day, the pair were photographed together wearing their crisp white shirts.

Aged 24, it's clear from her style that Middleton always had a passion for fashion. Here she's seen attending the Chakravarty Cup, a charity polo match in which Prince William was competing. Sporting a red wrap dress and trendy small sunglasses, she was already working for the clothing label Jigsaw as an accessories buyer, as well as helping out with her family's business, Party Pieces.

Showing off her knack for sports once again, Middleton trained on the River Thames with the Sisterhood Cross Channel rowing team. She stood and rowed from the boat's back after being invited to the training by an old friend, Alicia Fox-Pitt, whom she knew from her time at St. Andrews.

After a short period in which it was rumored that she and Prince William had broken up, the couple confirmed they were back together when they took a holiday to Switzerland in the late winter of 2008. Once again Middleton was able to show off her sporty moves, this time via skiing.

Pictured here attending the wedding of two of their friends, Harry Mead and Rosie Bradford, in a small village in Gloucestershire, the couple appeared carefree and happy. In fact, Middleton had already moved in with William to a cottage in Anglesey, and they would officially announce their own engagement the following month.

After their gorgeous nuptials in April 2011, the couple took on the official titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and got straight to work. Here, they're pictured on their first royal tour together, where they visited Canada in July 2011. Not only does Middleton's look pay homage to the Canadian flag, but it's also a perfect example of diplomatic dressing at its finest, with her white sheath dress and contrasting red fascinator incredibly chic style statements.

The following year Middleton would make her first joint royal appearance with Queen Elizabeth II in March 2012. During the queen's Diamond Jubilee tour of the U.K., Middleton accompanied the queen and her husband Prince Philip to the city of Leicester. Once again, she's absolutely nailed royal dressing, and at this point was well on her way to becoming the style icon that she is today.

After giving birth to the couple's first child, Prince George, in July 2013, Middleton can be seen here carrying him as she steps off a plane in New Zealand the following year. The Cambridges embarked on a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand for three weeks at the time. Middleton's gorgeous red coat and matching pillbox hat are very reminiscent of Jackie O's first lady style.

The couple had their second child, daughter Princess Charlotte, in May 2015, and less than one year later the family of four were photographed taking a well-deserved holiday in the French Alps. Even as a mom-of-two at the time, Middleton's lifelong love of sport was still evident!

While pregnant with her and William's third child, Prince Louis, Middleton attended the inaugural Royal Foundation Forum in Feb. 2018. The Cambridges are pictured here with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who would be married just a few months later. Dubbed the "Fab Four" by the press, this period saw the two couples make frequent appearances together before the Sussexes left their position as working royals.

Do you remember any of these moments from Kate Middleton's life? Be sure to pass this on to any royal fans you know so they can enjoy them too!