Prince William has honored “the most incredible wife and mother” with a heartfelt birthday message.
A new photograph of Princess Kate was released today to celebrate her 43rd birthday, accompanied by a rare personal message from her husband, Prince William.
The previously unseen photo, captured last summer in Windsor by photographer Matt Porteous, was shared with the public.
In the post, William praised “the most incredible wife and mother” and said, “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.”
Typically, Kate’s birthday isn’t marked with a message from William or a new photo release. However, it’s believed William chose to commemorate the day following Kate’s challenging year undergoing cancer treatment.
Earlier on Thursday, King Charles and Queen Camilla also extended birthday wishes to Kate through their social media, posting a photo taken on Christmas Day.
The royal family has adopted a more personal approach to social media updates over the past year, opting to share news on their own terms.
Kate publicly shared her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video, later revealing she had completed her chemotherapy in a short film featuring her family.
For Prince William’s birthday in June, Kate reciprocated with a personal message, writing: “Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx.”
Kate is expected to spend her 43rd birthday surrounded by close friends and family.
Following a difficult year of cancer treatment, Kate, William, and their three children plan to observe the day quietly at home.
She is expected to spend the day with her closest friends before having an intimate dinner with William, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
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 pic.twitter.com/VIW5v2aKlu
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 9, 2025
Last year, just a week after her 42nd birthday, Kate underwent “planned abdominal surgery” and was hospitalized for two weeks at the London Clinic. After her discharge, doctors discovered cancer, leading to a preventative chemotherapy course beginning in late February.
In September, Kate announced she had completed her treatment and would gradually resume her royal responsibilities. The diagnosis, which came shortly after King Charles revealed his own cancer battle, was a heavy burden for the family.
Reflecting on the past year during a visit to Cape Town, South Africa, in November, William said, “It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year of my life.”
He added, “I’m so proud of my wife, proud of my father, for how they’ve handled everything. But from a personal family perspective, it’s been brutal.”