It may be hard to believe Princess Kate’s life was not always a whirlwind of tiaras, state dinners, and other royal engagements, but the beloved Princess of Wales once had a “normal” job – just like millions of other Britons.

Before stepping into the royal spotlight, and attending the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she met her future husband, Kate worked as a deckhand at the Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.

One of the skippers Kate worked under at the time, Cal Tomlinson, spoke to author Katie Nicholl for her biography Kate: The Future Queen. As reported in the Daily Mail, he said: “It was back-breaking work. Kate mucked in and was very professional. She fitted right in, although she did stand out for being so pretty.”

Like many students at university, Princess Kate also worked part-time as a waitress in a job far removed from her current royal role. Kate once told renowned chef, Mary Berry, during a BBC Christmas special that she was “terrible” at serving the public in her hospitality role.

Kate also had a stint at the British clothing chain Jigsaw, where she worked as an accessories buyer – little did her colleagues know she would one day be setting trends on a global scale.

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.”

The Princess of Wales has previously worked for her parents’ party supplies company, Party Pieces. Kate was responsible for helping the family grow the business which sold everything from balloons to banners.

The brand’s best-selling Party Pieces Collection featured products such as plates, napkins, cups, hats, balloons, treat stands and decorations.

A royal aide confirmed her departure from the company in 2011, saying she was planning to “concentrate full-time on preparing to become a member of the Royal Family”.

What started as a business for kids’ party decorations in 1987 became a one-stop shop for all celebrations, from Valentine’s Day to weddings.

Speaking about the origins of Party Pieces to Good Housekeeping, Carole said: “In 1987, I had two young children and was pregnant with my son, James. We had come back to the UK from living abroad and I was a full-time mum. I didn’t want to miss out on my children growing up, so I considered starting my own business.

“Party Pieces was as a result of my personal need for my own children’s parties. You had to hunt high and low to find suitable party supplies. I found suppliers and put up notices in my daughters’ playgroup that said ‘Planning a Party?’ and started getting orders.”

The Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton founded the business in 1987, but it fell into difficulty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After attempts to sell, refinance and secure investment failed, it collapsed and was bought out of administration by entrepreneur James Sinclair.