At this point, we all know Kate Middleton as the super polished, poised, and confident Duchess of Cambridge. What with her calm nature, permanently bouncy hair, and self-assured demeanor, it's almost as if Kate was born to become the future Queen of England, right?
Eh, not exactly. Believe it or not, there was a point in time when Kate was new to the whole royal thing — and even more shocking, when she wasn't even a royal at all!
As soon as Kate Middleton started dating Prince William, cameras began following her — like, all the time. Although the Duchess of Cambridge always held herself in a remarkably elegant way, she's come a long way from her days as a student at the University of St. Andrews. Was she generally more "together" than most people her age? Of course! But still, she wasn't the Kate we've come to know today.
It may have always been in the stars for her to become part of the British royal family, but, shockingly, there definitely was a time when Kate wasn't as regal as she is now. From her long, messy hair days to the nights she spent "clubbing," here are 20 old school photos of Kate Middleton that have us completely obsessed.
Talk about a transformation!
Good Jeans
Low-rise, boot-cut jeans?
Yep, this is a throwback photo of Kate.
What's So Funny?
We love seeing photos of Kate, where her guard was completely down. Look at how young she and William look here!
Excess Baggage
Believe it or not, there was a time where Kate carried her own bags and umbrella.
Hard to believe!
On the Go
Way back when, Kate had a job as an accessories buyer in London. Check out her working woman look.
Beat It, Cameras
Really, who doesn't love a photo of Kate and Pippa Middleton, back in their clubbing days? Ah, that was a time.
Knee-High Boots
Knee-high boots are coming back, but this was from the early aughts when they were super in. Kate loved them.
Super Fresh
What are the odds of Kate Middleton being in a car with an air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror now?
Pretty slim.
Not Today
It's hard to imagine Kate Middleton ever doing this in front of cameras now. But alas, there was a time!
Roller Girl
We all know this throwback photo of Kate.
And we love it.
Coming Through!
Woman getting into the car — a classic celebrity shot.
And one we rarely see of Kate these days.
Sultry Kate
It's dang-near impossible to imagine Kate rocking this look right now, but we love what she had going on here.
Birthday Babe
Here's Kate arriving home on her birthday, back before she married Prince William. Guess her special day has always been low-key.
Sweet Headphones!
Hey, here's a picture of Kate Middleton wearing headphones.
Who knew we'd live to see the day?
Running Errands
Mini skirt, knee-high boots, and a plastic shopping bag.
Definitely an older picture of Kate.
Row, Row, Row
What a bad a–!
Here's Kate practicing for a cross-channel rowing race!
Baggage Claim
Why is it so comforting to see Kate Middleton holding her own plastic bags?
Like, does she still do this ever?
Casserole Kate
Annnnnd this is one photo we'll never see again — Kate Middleton seemingly bringing a casserole to a friend's house.
Bet it tasted royally good.
Bouncy Hair
Proof that Kate Middleton has always and forever had the very best hair.
Bounce for days.
Oh, Hey!
Here, Kate looking surprised to see cameras following her.
Not anymore, baby.
Cheery Kate
Is it just us or does Kate Middleton look EXACTLY like mom Carole Middleton here. Clearly, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Casual Kate
A midriff-baring tank top isn't something the duchess would be caught dead in now. But back in 2005, when she didn't yet have any royal duties, she was free to wear whatever she wanted. In this case, an on trend (for the time) camisole top.
Polo Match BFFs
Remember when Prince Harry was dating Chelsy Davy? Kate Middleton does, because they both spent time together at a polo match in 2006. Speaking of the early aughts, get a load of Chelsy's outfit. Has there ever been a more 2000s look?
Boots
This whole look is amazing, from the statement necklace to the Ugg boots. Yes, Queen of Heels Kate Middleton is wearing comfy winter shoes in this picture, and we are living for it. Honestly, her feet deserve a heels break. She should get another pair of these boots.
Young Prince Harry
Check out this throwback picture of both Kate and Prince Harry — they're both so young. This was before Kate married into the royal family and way before Harry met Meghan Markle. What a different time this was, but they've both done pretty well for themselves since.
On a Mission
With this dark trench coat and hat Kate Middleton looks so much like an investigator on a mission here — especially with that side-eyeing facial expression. Secret Agent Kate is a good look for her, she should bring it back.
Snow Bunny
Fun fact: One of Kate and Prince William's first times being photographed in public together was on a ski slope. She's a big fan of the winter sport, as evidenced by this 2005 photo. Kate is all bundled up and ready to take to the slopes.
Graduation Day
Kate earned her degree in art history from the University of St Andrews. It's the same college William attended, and it's where they first met. She graduated in 2005, and she's pictured here on the big day, carrying her diploma.
Festival Goer
At a 2005 festival, Kate was dispatched to grab a couple of drinks. Now she probably has someone on standby to fetch her a beverage when she's thirsty, but she used to do all that by herself. Also, gotta love the giant hat she's wearing.
Sunny Days
Kate's sister, Pippa, joined her at a polo match in 2006. The two sisters sat sunning themselves in breezy dresses without a care in the world. Kate's polo events are much different now that she's chasing after three children.
Grin & Beret It
Kate's scarf and beret here are sooo 2007. She looks as chic as always, even though her outfits are a little more restrained now. We know she was super on trend for the times back then. These days, Kate still loves a modern beret moment.
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