After dating off and on for 8 years, Kate Middleton (wearing an instantly iconic Alexander McQueen gown) and Prince William made it official on April 29, 2011 in a ceremony watched by billions all over the world. The only less-than-enthusiastic viewer? 3-year-old flower girl Grace Van Cutsem (Prince William's goddaughter), who covered her ears as planes from the RAF flew overhead. Another scene-stealer? Hot maid-of-honor, Pippa Middleton!
May 2011
Will and Kate welcomed President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to Buckingham Palace on May 23. After photos from the meeting appeared, the Reiss website crashed as shoppers logged on to snag the Duchess' £175 bandage-style dress.
June 2011
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge go glam! The royal pair attended a charity gala at Kensington Palace, where Kate dazzled in a shimmering, blush-tone Jenny Packham gown.
July 2011
During their North American tour, Prince Will and Kate left Hollywood's royalty starstruck when they stopped by BAFTA's "Brits to Watch" bash in L.A. July 10. Once inside, the couple chatted up celebs like Barbra Streisand, James Brolin, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, and Jennifer Garner.
August 2011
Kate and Will strolled hand-in-hand--and wore matching purple sweaters!--during a visit to Edinburgh for William's cousin Zara Phillips' wedding to Mike Tindall.
September 2011
Will and Kate attended the opening of the Oak Centre for Children and Young People--a children's hospital focused on cancer care--September 29. (Will showed up following a sleepless night on call at RAF Valley).
October 2011
Flyin' solo! An Amanda Wakeley-clad Kate stepped in last minute when father-in-law Prince Charles had to cancel his appearance at a charity dinner October 26. "She literally wowed the room," an eyewitness told Us Weekly. "She looked amazing!"
November 2011
Kate sparked pregnancy rumors during a November 2 visit to a Denmark UNICEF distribution center when she refused to sample some of the peanut paste. (Pregnant women are often advised to avoid eating peanut products.) An insider was quick to shoot down the baby talk: "She's not comfortable eating in front of cameras," the source told Us. "What if she didn't like it and made a face? That expression would then be on every newspaper."
December 2011
First Christmas! Kate spent the holiday with her husband and his entire family at Sandringham Manor, Queen Elizabeth's Norfolk, England residence. The Duchess' sister, Pippa Middleton, joined in the the Boxing Day celebrations on December 26.
January 2012
Movie night! Kate and Will hit the War Horse premiere on January 9--the day before Kate's 30th birthday--where they hung with director Steven Spielberg.
February 2012
Kate and Will become proud parents . . . to a puppy! The duo adopted a cocker spaniel and named him "Lupo," Italian for wolf. "William and Catherine fell in love with the pup instantly and it wasn't long before they decided to keep him," a source told Us.
March 2012
She shoots--she scores! With husband Will away for six weeks attending to his Royal Air Force assignment in the Falklands, Kate kept busy at home--celebrating St. Patty's Day, and visiting Great Britain's official Field Hockey team in London's Olympic Park.
April 2012
Kate and Will come out of hiding just before their first wedding anniversary to attend the African Cats premiere in London April 25. How do the pair plan on celebrating their big milestone? "They will celebrate the anniversary privately, something low-key at home," a Palace aide tells Us.
