Celebrate Kate Middleton’s 31st Birthday With 31 (Royally!) Defining Moments

Posted by and , on January 9, 2013 at 8:00 am

Click through to see 31 of Kate Middleton's most defining moments in honor of her 31st birthday!

The Royal Wedding: Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, married at Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011—nearly a year after their engagement. She wore a showstopping Alexander McQueen gown [...]

The Royal Wedding: Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, married at Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011—nearly a year after their engagement. She wore a showstopping Alexander McQueen gown designed by Sarah Burton that has the media still talking. Sister Pippa wore a gown by the designer as well, prompting international frenzy about her backside. 

Where it All Started: Kate Middleton met her future prince at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland during the fall semester of 2001, where they were both studying Art History. The two lived together [...]

Where it All Started: Kate Middleton met her future prince at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland during the fall semester of 2001, where they were both studying Art History. The two lived together in an apartment with friends the following year, but weren't dating just yet. 

Student Fashion Show: It was in this sheer dress that William famously first noticed Kate while she walked the runway at a Charity Fashion Event, reporedly whispering to a mate, "Wow, Fergus, Kate's [...]

Student Fashion Show: It was in this sheer dress that William famously first noticed Kate while she walked the runway at a Charity Fashion Event, reporedly whispering to a mate, "Wow, Fergus, Kate's hot!" The dress later sold at auction for over $100,000 in 2011. The two were dating soon after. See, great things really do all start with fashion. 

Graduation: Kate Middleton graduates from St. Andrews with a degree in Art History in June 2005. She convinced William to switch his studies to Geography since he struggled with his coursework (best [...]

Graduation: Kate Middleton graduates from St. Andrews with a degree in Art History in June 2005. She convinced William to switch his studies to Geography since he struggled with his coursework (best girlfriend ever). Little did they know, their lives were merely about to begin. 

William's Graduation: Kate wore a red coat to watch William in the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. The Prince was commissioned that day as a British Army Officer in [...]

William's Graduation: Kate wore a red coat to watch William in the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. The Prince was commissioned that day as a British Army Officer in December 2006. At this point, the media was fully following Kate's every move, and months earlier, a 24-hour security detail had been employed to make sure she was safe at all times. 

Troubled Waters: In 2007, Kate and William broke up for a short period. They were seen partying separately, and Kate stepped up her style a notch during her single phase. The two remained friends (above, [...]

Troubled Waters: In 2007, Kate and William broke up for a short period. They were seen partying separately, and Kate stepped up her style a notch during her single phase. The two remained friends (above, Kate is attending the memorial concert for William's mother Princess Diana), and still insist that the break-up made their relationship stronger. 

Reconciliation: Months after splitting, Kate and Wills got back together in the summer of 2007, and attended official royal events shortly thereafter. Her dresses made headlines, and secured Kate's place [...]

Reconciliation: Months after splitting, Kate and Wills got back together in the summer of 2007, and attended official royal events shortly thereafter. Her dresses made headlines, and secured Kate's place onVanity Fair's Best Dressed List in 2008.

An African Engagement: The couple went on a 10-day holiday to Kenya in October 2010 to celebrate Wills' passing his helicopter search-and-rescue course. They returned engaged, much to the relief of fans. [...]

An African Engagement: The couple went on a 10-day holiday to Kenya in October 2010 to celebrate Wills' passing his helicopter search-and-rescue course. They returned engaged, much to the relief of fans. Plus, the British press could no longer dub her "Waity Katie." 

Kate's Parents Hear the News: Kate's parents were photographed at their home in Berkshire upon receiving news of the couple's engagement in November 2010. The duo run Party Pieces, a party supplies [...]

Kate's Parents Hear the News: Kate's parents were photographed at their home in Berkshire upon receiving news of the couple's engagement in November 2010. The duo run Party Pieces, a party supplies website that has made them multi-millionaires. Kate's younger sister Pippa followed suit, and joined the family business. 

Officially Engaged: The Royal Couple posed for their official engagement portrait on November 16, 2010. William commented on the ring that once belonged to his mother: "It's very special to me. As Kate's [...]

Officially Engaged: The Royal Couple posed for their official engagement portrait on November 16, 2010. William commented on the ring that once belonged to his mother: "It's very special to me. As Kate's very special to me, now, it was right to put the two together. It was my way of making sure my mother didn't miss out on today and the excitement, and fact that we're going to spend the rest of our lives together." Naturally, the photo was shot by famed fashion photographer Mario Testino. 

Royal-in-Training: Kate launched the "Hereford Endeavour" lifeboat on February 24, 2011 as a soon-to-be Royal family member. This event launched a series of public appearances in honor of their [...]

Royal-in-Training: Kate launched the "Hereford Endeavour" lifeboat on February 24, 2011 as a soon-to-be Royal family member. This event launched a series of public appearances in honor of their engagement, and it was clear that Kate was getting used to her new lifestyle. 

British Fashion Fanatic: Kate wore a Burberry trench to the couple's first official visit to Ireland in March 2011, a period during which the pair received more media attention than ever. This clearly [...]

British Fashion Fanatic: Kate wore a Burberry trench to the couple's first official visit to Ireland in March 2011, a period during which the pair received more media attention than ever. This clearly showed Kate's commitment to British heritage brands, something that she has continued to demonstrate as she becomes increasingly influential. 

Wedding Dress No. 2: Kate's second wedding dress, which she changed into after the ceremony, was also by British designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Slightly more casual but still effortlessly [...]

Wedding Dress No. 2: Kate's second wedding dress, which she changed into after the ceremony, was also by British designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Slightly more casual but still effortlessly glamorous, it was clear that Kate channeled Wills' late mother Diana, a true fashion icon. 

Famous Footwear:  Kate wore her now-infamous L.K. Bennett black wedges the day after her wedding, as she was about to depart via helicopter on the couple's honeymoon. The wedges sold out instantly, and [...]

Famous Footwear:  Kate wore her now-infamous L.K. Bennett black wedges the day after her wedding, as she was about to depart via helicopter on the couple's honeymoon. The wedges sold out instantly, and every time she wears them, style blogs worldwide immediately take note. 

Saying Goodbye to Childhood: Kate's childhood home in Bradfield, English was sold in June 2011 for $800,000. The sale marked the end of her past life, and the beginning of a Royal adulthood. Her parents [...]

Saying Goodbye to Childhood: Kate's childhood home in Bradfield, English was sold in June 2011 for $800,000. The sale marked the end of her past life, and the beginning of a Royal adulthood. Her parents had moved years prior to a multimillion dollar house nearby. 

Major Princess Moment: Kate literally glowed in a sequined Jenny Packham gown and nude L.K. Bennett heels (more on that later) to a charity gala dinner at Kensington Palace on June 9, 2011. 

First North American Visit: Kate and William embarked on a Royal Tour of North America in June 2011, as their first official overseas trip since the Royal Wedding. Watch out, America! 

Channeling Princess Di in L.A.: Kate wore a simple, conservative outfit while visiting the Inner City Arts program in Los Angeles July 10, 2011.

First Hollywood Appearance: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the BAFTA Brits to Watch gala in Los Angeles on July 9, 2011, marking Kate's first appearance on an American red carpet. 

First Official Solo Appearance: Kate wears a silk gown on October 26 to a charity event for In Kind Direct, a charity founded by Prince Charles in 1996. This was Kate on her own—and at her [...]

First Official Solo Appearance: Kate wears a silk gown on October 26 to a charity event for In Kind Direct, a charity founded by Prince Charles in 1996. This was Kate on her own—and at her best. 

The Diamond Jubilee: Kate steps out in her now-signature L.K. Bennett nude pumps, and the style continued to sell out. She wore an Alexander McQueen lace dress and matching fascinator to celebrate Queen [...]

The Diamond Jubilee: Kate steps out in her now-signature L.K. Bennett nude pumps, and the style continued to sell out. She wore an Alexander McQueen lace dress and matching fascinator to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60th anniversary on the throne.

Family Bonding: Catherine sits beside the Queen as they watch a children's sporting event on June 13, 2012 as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. They seem to be getting along very well, and the [...]

Family Bonding: Catherine sits beside the Queen as they watch a children's sporting event on June 13, 2012 as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. They seem to be getting along very well, and the Queen seems to even have cracked a joke.

"Trooping the Colour": Kate stands on a Buckingham Palace balcony following the Queen's Birthday Parade on June 16, 2012. The 600-guardsmen ceremony of "Trooping the Colour" dates back to 1748 during the [...]

"Trooping the Colour": Kate stands on a Buckingham Palace balcony following the Queen's Birthday Parade on June 16, 2012. The 600-guardsmen ceremony of "Trooping the Colour" dates back to 1748 during the reign of King Charles II. Now that's some history.

The Olympics: Kate became the unoffical face of the Olympics this year in London, cheering on a number of events, including the Women's Hockey bronze medal match between New Zealand and Great Britain, [...]

The Olympics: Kate became the unoffical face of the Olympics this year in London, cheering on a number of events, including the Women's Hockey bronze medal match between New Zealand and Great Britain, and wore a sporty outfit to the events. 

Asian Tour: Kate and Prince William, walk past gravestones at the Kranji Memorial Cemetery in Singapore on September 13, 2012 as part of their nine-day Southeast Asian and Pacific tour in honor of Queen [...]

Asian Tour: Kate and Prince William, walk past gravestones at the Kranji Memorial Cemetery in Singapore on September 13, 2012 as part of their nine-day Southeast Asian and Pacific tour in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. 

Malaysia: Kate continues her tour of the Far East, wearing a headscarf to visit a mosque in Malaysia. Chic, no matter what she's in! 

Malaysia II: The Prince opens a coconut with a machete as Catherine applauded on September 18, 2012 in Tuvalu, on day eight of their tour. 

Back to College: Wills and Kate headed back to their humble college town for the first time since they'd received their titles. 

Getting Athletic: Celebrating St. Andrew's Day at her alma mater, Kate participated in the school's Progressive Games, just like the rest of students and faculty (except for the heels, maybe). 

Suspicious Hospital Visit: After Kate checked into the hospital seemingly out of nowhere, the media went into a frenzy. The Palace soon announced the exciting news: that she was pregnant! 

First Maternity Look: As Kate left the hospital with a doting Will by her side, it was clear they would make fantastic parents. We can't wait to see more from the royal duo. 

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Kate Middleton, aka Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, turns 31 today—and my, what a year she’s had! Perhaps the biggest moment so far came after months (let’s be honest, years) of media speculation, Kate and her husband Prince William announced they were expecting a child. Obviously, this child trumps any West-Kardashian baby in more ways than one, and we can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for the growing family.

In order to properly celebrate the birthday of Middleton—who many believe to be highly similar to William’s beloved mother Princess Diana—we felt it was only appropriate to chart out her absolute defining moments—be it fashion, charity endeavors, or simply bonding with her family (royal and otherwise).

Click through the gallery above and join in the revelry as we honor the new People’s Princess! 

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