With her glossy dark hair, classic looks, natural appearance and cut-glass accent, Kate Middleton displays all the poise and breeding expected from the wife-to-be of the heir to the throne. Sophisticated beyond her years, as well as academically gifted, Kate has charmed William's louche circle of friends as well as the House of Windsor. Yet behind her polished veneer lies the extraordinary tale of an impoverished working-class family that overcame deprivation and adversity to rise to the upper echelons of society. Claudia Joseph has spoken to members of Kate's family and friends, who have provided an intriguing insight into the extraordinary journey her family has made from the mining villages of Durham to an apartment in the royal residence of Clarence House. Drawing on exclusive interviews, this is an authoritative account of Kate Middleton's life so far.

'Extremely well written . . . a fascinating story well told' - Union Jack

Author Biography

Claudia Joseph was a pupil at Cheltenham Ladies' College and trained as a fashion journalist at the London College of Fashion before becoming a news reporter. She has worked at Tatler, The Times and the Mail on Sunday, and regularly contributes to a number of national newspapers and magazines. She lives in London.