How Kate Middleton Prince William Changed Over the Years: PHOTOS
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12 years ago, one-day king Prince William watched as his bride Catherine, Princess of Wales, walked down the aisle towards him to start their happily-ever-after — and more than a decade later, they’re still going as strong as ever. Looking back at photos of the royals over the years — at Christmas, Trooping the Colour, graduations, royal visits, and more — we see how the young prince and his bride have grown over their many years of marriage into the warm and reliable royals we know today.
The love story of William and Kate Middleton began at St. Andrews, where the two ambitious teens found themselves in similar circles and, eventually, turned that friendship into something more. We watched them grow up through their post-college years, as William briefly cut things off and Kate pulled off one of the greatest break-not-breakup glow-ups of all time, bringing her prince running right back. Today, with both William and Kate having reached 40 and a house full of kids at home, it’s easy to wonder where the time went from when these fresh-faced youths were first falling in love — and, how much they’ve really changed.
From Kate’s ever-evolving shades of brown hair and preppy-glam style to William’s increasing resemblance to the rest of the royal family, we’ve seen these faces for years and it’s easy to miss those subtle changes year by year.
To celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary today, take a peak at photos of the couple from their St. Andrew’s graduation in 2005 to today to see their changing faces over the years.
A version of this article was originally published in 2021.
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‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service (2023)
The Wales family looked beautiful together at the ‘Together At Christmas’ ccarol service.
Christmas Day Service (2023)
Kate Middleton and Prince William, and their kids, arrived in style at the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Future King & Queen (2023)
At the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, the Prince and Princess of Wales stood tall in matching coronation cloaks as they walked down Westminster Abbey. A future King and Queen in the making!
Royal Ascot (2023)
Kate Middleton and Prince William rocked their vibrant looks at the 2023 Ascot.
Royal Charity Polo Cup (2023)
Kate gave William a celebratory kiss, making headlines everywhere for the rare PDA.
Wimbledon (2023)
Kate Middleton and Prince William, along with their kids Princess Charlotte and Prince George arrived at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club!
Meeting Loyal Royal Fans (2023)
During their April 20 visit to meet future creative leaders and celebrate the city’s diverse culture, William and Kate stepped around to meet so many loyal royal fans!
Celebrating 60th anniversary of Central Beacons Mountain Rescue (2023)
While these two have changed a lot over the years, their love for charity work hasn’t! On April 27, William and Kate were seen helping out and carrying takeaway pizza boxes to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Central Beacons Mountain Rescue.
Kate Debuts as the Colonel of the Irish Guards (2023)
On March 17, the Princess of Wales celebrated her first St. Patrick’s Day Parade since becoming colonel of the Irish guards. Of course, William was right by her side to support her in the celebration. Previously, the position was held by William and was given to Middleton by King Charles.
Commonwealth Day Service (2023)
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales matched in navy looks for the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service.
EE BAFTA Film Awards (2023)
William and Kate made headlines for not only their gorgeous black-and-white looks, but their rare PDA throughout.
Windsor Foodshare Visit (2023)
Can we talk about how William looks so engrossed in what Kate is saying?!
Royal Liverpool University Hospital Visit (2023)
In their first appearance since Prince Harry’s memoir Spare was released, the two stepped out in coordinating ensembles to show a united front.
‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service (2022)
William and Kate, along with their kids Prince George of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales looked so happy (and matching) at the ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service.
King and the Queen Consort’s Reception (2022)
Camilla, Queen Consort, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales posed for King and the Queen Consort’s reception.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Royal Film Performance (2022)
Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the Top Gun: Maverick Royal Film Performance with their pal Tom Cruise.
Platinum Jubilee (2022)
Kate Middleton & Prince William’s family of five looked great together at the Platinum Jubilee.
Wimbledon (2022)
Kate Middleton and Prince William were having the time of their lives at the Men’s Singles Quarter Final match on day nine of The Championships Wimbledon 2022.
Royal Ascot (2022)
Kate Middleton rocked a look that channeled Prince William’s mom Princess Diana.
Trooping the Colour (2022)
Kate Middleton, Prince William, and their kids were at the Trooping the Colour parade on June 02, 2022.
Earthshot Prize Awards (2022)
These two looked so gorgeous together, with Kate Middleton stealing the show in Princess Diana’s jewels.
Family Walkaround (2022)
William and Kate, along with their kids with Prince George of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales attended the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church. But before, they did a walk around to see royal fans and onlookers.
Commonwealth Day Service (2022)
Kate and William, the proud symbols of the future of the monarchy, stepped out for the Commonwealth Day Service in 2022 in appropriately royal attire — particularly Kate’s bold and vibrant blue ensemble.
Royal Albert Hall (2021)
Kate Middleton continued her run of excellent royal fashion with this emerald-green Jenny Packham dress at the 2021 Royal Variety Show.
‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service (2021)
They only have eyes for each other.
The Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony (2021)
Appropriately for this ceremony celebrating environmental achievements, Kate wore a recycled lavender Alexander McQueen gown from 2011, first worn to the BAFTAs, and it was no less stunning a decade later.
‘No Time to Die’ Premiere (2021)
Kate Middleton was an absolute vision in glittering gold at the new James Bond premiere in 2021.
Christmas Concert (2020)
After a long year of lockdowns, William and Kate took kids George, Charlotte, and Louis out for a special holiday performance at London’s Palladium Theatre.
BAFTAs (2020)
Kate and William were in high glamour mode at the 2020 BAFTAs as tensions were running high with Meghan and Harry.
Christmas Day Church Service (2019)
Meghan Markle and Prince William famously decided to sit out this church service in 2019, but Kate and William showed up with Charlotte and George in tow.
Trooping the Colour (2019)
With Prince Louis now ready to attend the annual Trooping too, Kate and William had their hands full at the 2019 Trooping the Colour.
Royal Ascot (2019)
Kate Middleton and Prince William were all smiles at the 2019 Royal Ascot.
BAFTAs (2019)
Kate is absollutely dazzling in this white one-shoulder gown at the 2019 BAFTAs.
Christmas Day Church Service (2018)
In one of the most-photographed church services in recent royals history, Harry and Meghan walked side by side with Kate and William in their full capacity as royals — and for the fashion on display alone, the media had a field day.
Trooping The Colour (2018)
In 2018, Charlotte is once again mom’s mini-me, this time in blue, and Kate’s hats are getting more eye-catching every year.
Prince Louis’ Christening (2018)
Everyone arrived for Prince Louis’ christening at St James’s Palace on July 09, 2018.
Prince Louis’ Birth (2018)
Kate Middleton and Prince William proudly showed off their newborn son Prince Louis at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital on April 23, 2018.
BAFTAs (2018)
A pregnant Kate Middleton rocked the BAFTAs red carpet and brought out some very special jewelry for the occasion.
Christmas Day Church Service (2017)
Welcome to the family, Meghan! In a surprising breach of protocol, Meghan was permitted to walk with the royals on their walk in Sandringham though she was only Harry’s fiancée, not his bride, at the time.
Trooping the Colour (2017)
Kate once again decided to match dresses with her little girl at this year’s celebration — and George started feeling out the crowd.
BAFTAs (2017)
We are in love with this off-the-shoulder look on Kate.
Christmas Day Church Service (2016)
While Kate and William weren’t at their usual church this year, they still made it out for a Christmas Day service with George and Charlotte too.
Christmas Party for Volunteers at the Mix Youth Service (2016)
Back in 2016, Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate Middleton attended a Christmas party for volunteers at The Mix youth service.
Royal Ascot (2016)
All eyes were on the fashionable Kate Middleton and Prince William.
Trooping The Colour (2016)
You’ll notice Kate has two tots in tow by 2016! That’s young charlotte matching with her mom’s pale pink hat.
Christmas Day Church Service (2015)
It’s a rainy day at this year’s Christmas service, but Kate will always have William to hold her umbrella.
‘Spectre’ Premiere (2015)
Kate and William were the envy of every James Bond fan at the world premiere for Spectre in 2015.
Princess Charlotte’s Christening (2015)
Kate Middleton and Prince William had their two kids ready for baby Princess Charlotte’s christening.
Princess Charlotte’s Birth (2015)
On May 2, 2015, Kate Middleton and Prince William proudly showed off their baby girl, Princess Charlotte.
Trooping the Colour (2015)
Welcome to the world, Prince George! Baby George holds court with Wiliam, Kate, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Queen Consort Camilla.
Christmas Day Church Service (2014)
Kate and William leave St. Mary Magdalene Church laughing together here just a year after welcoming baby George.
Trooping the Colour (2014)
This picture of young Kate and William pulls at our heartstrings for so many reasons.
Prince George’s First Birthday (2014)
Parents Kate Middleton and Prince William were beaming at Prince George’s first birthday.
Prince George’s Christening (2013)
Kate Middleton and Prince William were beaming at Prince George’s christening on October 23, 2013.
Prince George’s Birth (2013)
Kate Middleton and Prince William looked so happy as they showed off their newborn son Prince George.
St. Patricks’s Day (2014)
The Prince and Princess showed some love to Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, on St. Patrick’s Day.
Trooping the Colour (2013)
Pretty in pink! Kate’s pregnant with Prince George in this pic from the Queen’s annual celebration.
St Patrick’s Day Parade (2013)
Remember when Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the St Patrick’s Day parade in 2013?
Trooping the Colour (2012)
This year’s Trooping the Colour celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, and came just a year after Kate and William had tied the knot.
Christmas Day Church Service (2011)
Just a few months after she married Prince William, Kate walked with the royals for their Christmas Day tradition for the first time.
University of St Andrews Visit (2011)
Back to where it all began, nearly a decade later.
Wedding Day (2011)
Kate Middleton and Prince William married in that iconic wedding on April 29, 2011.
Wedding Day (2011)
And they kissed, which made everyone swoon!
BAFTAs (2011)
Kate and William made sure the show was a must-watch event at their first-ever BAFTAs in 2011.
Royal Engagement (2010)
In late 2010, William finally popped the question — and the giddy couple recorded a video sharing the news with the world.
Harry Meade & Rosie Bradford Wedding (2010)
At one of their last appearances together before William proposed, he and Kate showed up to Harry Meade and Rosie Bradford’s October wedding in Gloucestershire, their first joint appearance since July and one of the first where they arrived together and didn’t attempt to avoid photographers.
Christmas Gala (2010)
Before they were attending the annual royal church service for Christmas together, Kate and William went to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular gala in 2010 as boyfriend and girlfriend.
Budding Philanthropists (2009)
While William was still dragging his feet about proposing, Kate threw herself into charity work, perhaps proving herself fit for future royal engagements: Here in 2009, she’s seen attending the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco, a fund raising event in aid of the Children’s Hospital in Oxford, while William gives a speech to supporters of homeless youth charity Centrepoint the same year.
Skiing Holiday (2008)
Back in 2008, Prince William and Kate Middleton went on a skiing holiday on March 19, 2008.
Prince William Becomes an RAF Pilot (2008)
In April 2008, Prince William received his RAF Wings from then-Prince Charles, formally becoming an RAF pilot — and Kate Middleton was by his side to mark the moment.
Eton College (2006)
Prince William kissed Kate Middleton after his game, being much more open about PDA back then.
Graduating University (2005)
In 2005, both Kate and William graduated from St. Andrews University — just two youngsters with the whole world ahead of them.
