The best photo from every single year since Kate Middleton met Prince William

Not only has the world grown to love the Duchess of Cambridge ever since she started dating - and eventually married and had children with - Prince William, but we've watched her grow up, too.

From university nights out to royal engagements to children, the Duchess of Cambridge has been a national sweetheart since the first day she graced our tabloids as the potential girlfriend of young Prince Wills.

To celebrate her 36th birthday, Business Insider has compiled the best photo from every year of her incredible life since she first met Prince William at St Andrew's University back in 2002.

Scroll on for a snapshot of every year since she entered the public spotlight, including everything from her wild university days to her third royal pregnancy announcement.