Catherine, Princess of Wales, now enjoys the lavish comforts of royal living, complete with a dedicated staff.
However, her path to royalty was marked by a more modest beginning.
Before officially joining the royal family in 2011, Catherine shared a cozy apartment in one of London’s most desirable areas, Chelsea, with her siblings, Pippa and James.
This charming abode was purchased for them by their parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, back in 2002 for £780,000.
Fast forward to 2018, and the family decided to sell this beloved flat for £1.95 million, ultimately closing the deal at £1.88 million in September 2019.
Interestingly, during her time there, it became a secret haven for Catherine and Prince William, who often spent quiet evenings together away from the media’s watchful gaze.
James Middleton, Catherine’s brother, reminisced about those days, revealing that William would frequently visit, always under the careful watch of discreet protection officers.
He recalled how these officers would alert him to William’s arrival, prompting him to take a longer route home to give the couple some privacy.
Despite the Chelsea flat being a far cry from the royal residences she inhabits today, it was evident that Catherine’s flair for interior design was already blossoming.
The apartment featured a spacious living room, a dining area, two bathrooms, and an elegantly appointed kitchen.
The top floor housed the bedrooms, including a master suite complete with an en-suite bathroom.
One standout feature of the flat was its bright and airy dining room, which boasted wainscoting and a classic oak dining table—an early reflection of Catherine’s timeless aesthetic.
The room radiated warmth and sophistication, enhanced by a built-in bookcase and cream upholstered chairs.
In the kitchen, oak cabinets paired with classic black-and-white tiled floors created a traditional ambiance that still resonates with Catherine’s current style.
The second floor seamlessly blended the living and dining spaces, adorned with patterned rugs and curtains reminiscent of those found in Kensington Palace’s Apartment 1A.
Today, Catherine shares her life with Prince William and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—in the idyllic Adelaide Cottage located within the Windsor Estate.
Nearby, her sister Pippa resides in a stunning £17 million mansion with her husband, James Matthews, and their two children, Arthur and Grace.
Meanwhile, James has embraced a quieter lifestyle in a Berkshire farmhouse with his wife, Alice, their young son Inigo, and their six dogs.
Windsor has transformed into a vibrant home for Catherine and her family, who are now raising their children in a more grounded environment.
All three kids attend Lambrook school in the picturesque Berkshire countryside, and both Prince George and Princess Charlotte have taken advantage of the nearby Windsor Castle stables for their riding lessons.
The family enjoys a relatively normal life in Windsor, frequently visiting local favorites like the Windsor Farm Shop.
They’ve also been spotted enjoying festive outings at Lapland UK, a Christmas-themed park in Ascot, making cherished memories during the holiday season.
Relocating to Adelaide Cottage has also brought Catherine closer to her roots, with her parents living just a short distance away at Bucklebury Manor in Berkshire.
While her current lifestyle significantly contrasts her days in the Chelsea flat, that humble home remains a cherished chapter in her story—a testament to her remarkable journey from commoner to princess.
As Catherine navigates the complexities of royal life, her down-to-earth nature, strong family ties, and impeccable sense of style continue to shine through, reminding us all of the beautiful evolution of a woman who remains true to herself despite the grand changes around her.