Kate Middleton requests friends to call her Catherine instead of Kate in a humorous email
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010, after an eight-year relationship that included a temporary breakup in 2007. Kate, who was already well-known, was preparing to formalize her name by requesting friends to start calling her Catherine instead of Kate.
Despite going by various nicknames amongst her friends, Kate’s request to be called Catherine added speculation to Prince William’s intention to propose, according to royal biographer Robert Jobson in his book Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
In 2008, it was reported that Kate sent a humorous email to friends asking to be referred to as Catherine instead of Kate, signaling her preference for her longer, more formal name.
Jobson’s book raises questions as to whether Kate’s name change was due to personal preference or preparation for her future public role. The debate continued even after Prince Charles’ communication secretary denied any plans for changing Kate’s name.
Following their marriage in 2011, Queen Elizabeth II granted Prince William and Kate the titles Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In 2022, King Charles granted them the titles Prince and Princess of Wales, in line with tradition for the heir to the throne.
According to etiquette experts at Debrett’s, Kate should be known as Catherine, Princess of Wales. However, she is often still referred to as Kate by the public, press, and friends. Prince William uses the name Catherine in formal correspondence.
Regardless of her name, Kate’s journey from commoner to royalty continues to hold a special place among British royals.
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