Before she was married to Prince William, mother of three royal family members and one of the most recognizable, polished and photographed women in the entire world …
… she was plain and simply Catherine Middleton.
As the first commoner to marry an heir to the throne in centuries, it’s no wonder that Kate the Great has captivated millions of fans across the globe over the last decade.
It’s remarkable how far she’s come.
Catherine’s upbringing was relatively humble – anything is more humble than being heir to the throne – as you can see from this photo gallery of the icon through the years.
Kate Middleton leaves Lacock Cyraiax Church for the wedding of Harry Lopes and Laura Parker-Bowles, daughter of Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, 06 May 2006.
Kate Middleton sits in the stands as her boyfriend Britain’s Prince William takes part in the Sovereign’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy in Camberley, 35 miles west of London, 15 December 2006.
Kate Middleton leaves her Chelsea flat on her 25th birthday on January 9, 2007 in London, England.
Kate Middleton looks around while watching William take part in The Sovereign’s Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on December 15, 2006 in Sandhurst, England.
Kate chats with friends and companions in front of the main arena, on the second day of the Gatcombe Park Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, on August 6, 2005 near Tetbury, England.
Kate Middleton leaves Younger Hall after her graduation ceremony, June 23, 2005 in St Andrews, Scotland.
Prince Harry and Prince William and Kate Middleton watch the action during the RBS Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham on February 10, 2007 in London, England.