The Prince of Wales celebrated the Princess of Wales’ 43rd birthday on Thursday with a touching tribute and an unseen photograph of his wife.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Prince William wrote:
“To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis, and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.”
The accompanying black-and-white photograph, captured by Matt Porteous in Windsor last summer, shows Kate looking relaxed and radiant, dressed in a white blouse, blazer, and checked scarf, with her hands casually tucked into her jean pockets.
Kate Middleton stuns in jeans and a white shirt in new portrait released on 43rd birthday
The tribute comes after King Charles and Queen Camilla also extended their birthday wishes to Kate, sharing a photograph of her from the Christmas Day walkabout.
Kate’s birthday marks a moment of reflection after a challenging year for the royal family. Both Kate and King Charles were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, a year Prince William described as “brutal.” Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Kate has begun a gradual return to public duties.
In September, the Princess announced she had completed her treatment in a heartfelt family video, which showed her enjoying the outdoors with William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The video also included rare moments of public affection between William and Kate, who will celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary this April.
Speaking in Cape Town, South Africa, in November, William shared his pride in his wife and father:
“Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult. But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.”
Looking ahead, the couple is expected to embark on an overseas visit together, with William hinting at more joint appearances in 2025. “I think hopefully Catherine will be doing a bit more next year, so we’ll have some more trips maybe lined up,” he said during his South Africa visit.
Additionally, William and Kate are launching a new mental health initiative this year to support the Sandringham Estate and surrounding communities. Co-funded with Norfolk and Waveney Mind, the programme will provide counselling and group support for rural and farming populations.
Kate celebrated her birthday privately with her family at their Windsor home, following their return from spending Christmas in Norfolk.
