The Princess of Wales has a very special reason to celebrate today [Wednesday] following her summer break.
Kate’s sister, Pippa Matthews (nee Middleton), turns 40 on 6 September, and no doubt, the royal will make a big fuss of her younger sister.
Pippa and her husband, James Matthews, have been enjoying a late summer break in Lake Como, Italy, where they attended the wedding of nutritional therapist Belle Porter and Max Robinson.
The author and columnist married hedge fund manager James in May 2017, and the pair share three children – Arthur, four, Grace, two, and one-year-old Rose.
Pippa shares a close bond with her sister and future Queen Kate, having once shared a flat together in Chelsea, London after they had both graduated from university.
The Princess, now 41, chose Pippa to be her maid of honour on her wedding day to Prince William in 2011, and she returned the favour at her little sister’s nuptials.
Pippa, James and their three young children reside in a £15m property in Berkshire – close to Pippa’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her younger brother, James Middleton and his wife, Alizee Thevenet.
Meanwhile, William, Kate and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor – a short drive away from Kate’s parents and siblings.
It’s not known whether Pippa will throw a party for her milestone birthday, but no doubt the family will get together to celebrate.
Kate, who is patron of the Rugby Football Union, will attend a group stage match between England and Argentina at the Stade de Marseille on Saturday – the first weekend of the Rugby World Cup.
Mum-of-three Pippa previously worked part-time for her parents’ party supplies business, Party Pieces.
The company, which was founded by Carole in 1987, was sold to entrepreneur James Sinclair in June, after falling into administration.
Pippa also penned a book, Celebrate, a one-stop guide to entertaining, in 2012.