The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton, is one of the most recognisable figures globally, largely due to her marriage to Prince William. However, before joining the royal family, she had already amassed a significant personal fortune estimated at £5.3 million, according to Time magazine.
Kate's wealth primarily stems from her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who founded the party planning business Party Pieces in 1987. The company is now valued at around £30 million. Carole, a former flight attendant, and Michael, a former flight dispatcher, met while working for British Airways and married in 1980. Michael also inherited a large trust fund from his paternal grandmother, Olive Christina Middleton, whose family, the Luptons, are landed gentry.
The Middleton family lived in Jordan for a period before returning to Berkshire for the children's education. Carole started Party Pieces to help other mothers create magical parties at home, initially operating from a garden shed. Kate and her sister Pippa both worked for the company, with Kate overseeing photography and catalogue editing.
Before her royal marriage, Kate also worked part-time as an accessory buyer for the clothing chain Jigsaw from November 2006 to November 2007. She secured the role after John Robinson and his wife Belle took her on, despite accusations of nepotism. Belle defended Kate, praising her maturity and composure with the press.
Now married to Prince William, Kate's fortune is combined with his estimated $40 million fortune, according to Town & Country. The couple, along with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—enjoy a privileged lifestyle at Kensington Palace. The Middleton family also owns Bucklebury Manor in West Berkshire, with over 18 acres of land, and a flat in Chelsea valued at £1-1.4 million.
