Who Are the Duchesses of Cambridge
The title Duchess of Cambridge is held by Catherine, Princess of Wales, who married Prince William in 2011. When William was created Prince of Wales in September 2022, Catherine became Princess of Wales while retaining the Duchess of Cambridge title. The couple have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The title was previously held by Diana, who died in 1997. The Royal Family official site confirms the current line of succession and titles.
Catherine was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton in 1982 and worked in retail before her engagement. She was born in Reading, England, and grew up in Berkshire. The couple married on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey. Catherine is the eldest of three siblings, and her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, run a party supplies business. The family's estimated combined net worth is in the low millions, sourced from business income and investments.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Catherine's estimated personal net worth is around $10 million, based on her pre-royal career earnings and family investments. The Middleton family wealth includes a party supply company and property holdings. The Duchy of Cornwall and Duchy of Lancaster estates support the Prince and Princess of Wales in official duties. William's estimated personal wealth is around $40 million, including inherited assets from the Queen and trust funds. Forbes regularly updates net worth estimates for senior royals.
The couple do not receive a sovereign grant for personal use, but they are supported by the Duchy of Cornwall for official and charitable work. Catherine's public engagements focus on early childhood development, mental health, and the arts. She has launched initiatives such as the Shaping Us campaign, which highlights early years investment. The royal family's official finances are reported through the Sovereign Grant and Duchy accounts.
Titles, Duties, and Public Role
Catherine holds the titles Duchess of Cambridge, Princess of Wales, and Countess of Strathearn. She is also known as Lady Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. Her patronages include the National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and several children's charities. She undertakes around 60 to 80 public engagements per year, focusing on early childhood, mental health, and the arts. Buckingham Palace publishes her official programme and patronages.
William and Catherine are second in line to the British throne. They carry out duties on behalf of the King, including state visits, investitures, and charity events. Their household is funded through a combination of the Sovereign Grant and private income. Catherine's style is Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales when on official business. UK Government Sovereign Grant reports detail the funding and expenditure of the royal household.