When you join the royal family, your life is bound to change forever. Even before Kate Middleton was engaged to Prince William, she understood this reality all too well.
The Mirror recently resurfaced a Sunday Express article from 2008, two years before the Cambridges' engagement, which explained the request Middleton made to her friends in anticipation of marrying a royal. "With Prince William’s engagement now a surefire certainty (even Ladbrokes [a British betting company] has stopped taking bets on whether it will happen after a flurry of well-placed wagers) there are intriguing signs that Kate Middleton is preparing for her future role," the article read.
"It looks like she’s taking it very seriously indeed too. I hear that in the past few weeks the former accessories buyer has quietly informed friends that she would like to drop the informal 'Kate' and in future wishes to be known by her full name: 'Catherine.'"
In the Express article, royal expert Daniela Elser said Middleton's friends were "a little taken aback" by the request, even though it was made in a "gentle" and "very jokey" manner.
A friend of Middleton's told the paper, "Everyone knows it’s about to happen with Kate and William, but we were a little surprised about the request to call her Catherine. There is a distinct feeling she has started to become very aware of her position."
Middleton became engaged to Prince William in 2010, and they tied the knot in 2011 at Westminster Abbey.
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter SeasonIt's time to add some hydration to your routine.
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV SeriesCould this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
-
'American Primeval' Is Bound to Be Your First Netflix Obsession of 2025—Here's What to Know About the CastTaylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin led the gritty miniseries about a family's trek across the American West in 1857.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday PhotoThe Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On""There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
