The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, celebrates her 43rd birthday today, January 9, 2025.
In honor of the big day, she’s breaking tradition with how she celebrates. But regardless of how’s she’s spending the occasion, she’s been on the receiving end of a well-deserved outpouring of love. Father-in-law King Charles shared a birthday message for Catherine. Kensington Palace posted a new photo of her, where her body language spoke volumes. Fans even weighed in on social media, with messages like, “A very happy birthday,” “We are all behind you,” and “Beautiful inside and out. Happy birthday.”
But perhaps the most striking birthday wishes came from none other than Catherine’s husband, Prince William, 42. Honestly, his message took my breath away in its candor and vulnerability.
As I mentioned, Kensington Palace shared a gorgeous photo on Instagram, where Catherine stands with her hands in her pockets, with her long beachy waves on display, and dons a gingham scarf.
The black-and-white image from photographer Matt Porteous was shared with a few words from the future monarch. 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.”
The prince made it clear that these were his personal words by signing the message with his initial, “W.”
A husband sharing his love for his wife on her birthday shouldn’t be a giant surprise. But for William, who is generally PDA-averse and who keeps his emotional cards close to the chest, such an honest and open message, posted in a public forum, is quite a big (and welcome) deal.
In particular, two sentences stood out. First of all, “The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable.” This is clearly Prince William’s way of acknowledging all that his wife has gone through in the past year (starting with abdominal surgery, leading to a cancer diagnosis and treatment and ending with a return to royal duties).
The other striking statement? “George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you.” You can almost feel the raw emotion behind Will’s words, which reveal that he and their children have been a massive support system for Catherine during her difficult year.
Here’s to a better and happier year for Catherine, William and their kids.