Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, born January 9, 1982. Her place of birth is the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, England. She’s the first child of Carole and Michael Middleton and has two younger siblings, Pippa and James. Kate’s early childhood experiences have had a profound influence on her views about home and raising children, which she expresses at many of her speaking appearances.
When Kate was still only two years old, her family moved to Amman, Jordan. There, her father found work with a subsidiary of British Airways. While this relocation took two and a half years — an entire story in itself — Kate was enrolled in a Jordanian alternative nursery school. Her time spent living and working there opened her eyes to what multicultural looks like.
Early Years in Jordan
While in Jordan, Kate had the opportunity to visit a nursery school that served children ages three to five. This regular tiny class of only 12 children, all with such wonderful backgrounds of Britain, Jordan, Japan, India and America. This early exposure to multiple cultures deeply informed Kate’s coming of age years and perspectives.
Kate and her new classmates were educated in both English and Arabic. Then they would memorize or recite a verse of the Quran to go with their morning singing sessions. This practice serves as the first glimpse into her early bilingual education. It speaks to the cultural open-mindedness that molded her childhood.
The Middleton family observed Christmas and Ramadan during their time in Jordan. This colorful journey provided Kate an opportunity to explore many different cultural customs and traditions. In September 1986, they moved back to West Berkshire, closing the book on a remarkable era in her childhood.
Education and Extracurricular Activities
Kate then began her formal education at St. Andrew’s School in Pangbourne in September 1986. She lived there until July of 1995. Her teacher, Mr. Allford, described her as “a hard worker and very conscientious. These are the very traits that will allow her to thrive in the coming era.
At St. Andrew’s, Kate was a very involved member of the athletic community. She had a passion for sport playing field hockey, tennis and netball in addition to being a gifted athlete, especially in high jump. At the age of 11, she took on the role of Eliza Doolittle in the school’s production of “My Fair Lady,” showcasing her talent for performing arts.
When Kate entered the local Brownies troop with her sister Pippa in 1990. The dynamic field trips and hands-on sports activities were the club’s special sauce. It acquainted them with needlework, each of which greatly accelerated their social maturation in childhood.
Reflections on Family Life
Her parents were great educators of family values, and Kate has always looked back on the joy of her upbringing. When she thinks back on her childhood, she remembers all the time she got to spend outside with her family.
“I had a very happy childhood. It was great fun and I’m very lucky I come from a very strong family. My parents were hugely dedicated. I really appreciate now as a parent how much they sacrificed for us.” – Kate Middleton
In her closing thoughts, Kate’s short sermon on the value of unpaid pleasures. But now, as an adult, she treasures the memories of splashy winter walks and vacations spent in her family’s native country.
“What resonates the most is the simple things… I see that now with my own children.” – Kate Middleton
She feels that these kinds of experiences are fundamental to children’s development, helping to ground them, connect them and give them a sense of adventure.
In addition to honoring the centrality of her grandmother, which grounded her childhood, Kate recognizes the importance of place.
“I had an amazing granny who devoted a lot of time to us… I try and incorporate a lot of the experiences that she gave us at the time into the experiences that I give my children now.” – Kate Middleton
It’s clear that her own childhood experiences had a profound impact on how she parents her children now.
