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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Eve Beattie

Kate Middleton's unusual job roles before joining the royal family

Kate Middleton became the Princess of Wales in September 2023 - however, her working history hasn't always been so elaborate.

Before making her royal family debut in 2011, the future Queen worked in a series of 'normal' jobs.

As a teenager, before she attended St. Andrews University, the Princess of Wales made her money as a deckhand at the Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.

Whilst at University - where she famously met Prince William - like many other students, Kate decided to take on a role as a waitress.

Prince William and Kate met at St Andrews University in 2001 (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

She revealed this during the 2019 broadcast of the Christmas TV special A Berry Royal Christmas, where the princess opened up about her hospitality experience to host Mary Berry.

During the show, Mary prepared a non-alcoholic cocktail, which she then passed to Kate to take over to guests.

This prompted Kate to quip: "Reminds me of my university days when I did a bit of waitressing."

When Mary asked if she was good at the job, Kate responded very honestly.

She laughed, and replied: "No, I was terrible!"

Kate told Mary Berry what William likes to whip up in the kitchen (BBC)

After graduating from university, Kate landed a job with major fashion chain Jigsaw.

At the age of 24, she took on a role as an accessory buyer for the high street brand, around the end of 2006.

Speaking to confirm the appointment, a Jigsaw spokesperson said at the time: "We can confirm that Kate joined our staff two or three weeks ago as an accessory buyer for Jigsaw and Jigsaw Junior. We can't comment any further."

And according to reports, Kate already had a foot in the door with the brand after she ran errands, fetching cups of tea and snacks at a fashion shoot.

Her final position before joining the Firm was working for her family business, Party Pieces.

The party decoration supplier is owned by Kate's mother Carole Middleton and was founded in 1987 when Carole was looking for inspiration for Kate's fifth birthday party.

Her role, according to reports, included working as a website designer and photographer for the business.

She left Party Pieces in January 2011, ahead of her April wedding to Prince William.

A royal aide confirmed her departure from the company, saying she was planning to 'concentrate full-time on preparing to become a member of the royal family'.

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