The Princess of Wales will celebrate her 43rd birthday on Thursday after an incredibly difficult 12 months.
This time last year, Kate was admitted into hospital for abdominal surgery, only to be diagnosed with cancer and forced to undergo gruelling chemotherapy treatment, which she successfully completed in September.
Such an ordeal means that the Princess’s celebrations this week will be all the more special for her and her loved ones. But the date of her big day has meant King Charles had to make a major royal change.
Also taking place on January 9 is the funeral for former American president Jimmy Carter, who died aged 100 on 29 December 2024.
The King has decided to send his youngest brother Prince Edward to represent the UK at the service which is being held at the Washington National Cathedral. And the decision has raised some eyebrows.
It is only the third time a royal has attended the funeral of an American resident, and on both occasions it was Charles in attendance in his capacity as the Prince of Wales; when Ronald Reagan was laid to rest in 2004 and again in 2018 to honour George Bush Snr.
It was therefore expected that Prince William, now the same ranking royal, would have travelled to Washington for the service in honour of the 39th president. But with his focus firmly on his family, he reportedly made it clear that he wanted to be with his wife on her special day to ensure it remains a family affair.
Instead, Edward will attend the service – although he will not be accompanied by his wife Duchess Sophie. Other notable names who will be there to pay their final respects include all five living presidents – Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump.
William, meanwhile, will likely spoil Kate ‘rotten’ on her birthday on Thursday, according to royal expert Jennie Bond. While the celebrations will be held in private, Jennie believes that the Prince will pull out all the stops for his beloved wife.
Jennie told OK!: “This birthday is going to be memorable in so many ways – it will mark the start of a new and hopefully happier year and the end of one that has been brutal for the whole family.”
Discussing what William likely has in store for his wife, she added: “For her husband and children, this will be an excuse to spoil her rotten and, even though it falls on a school day, I’m sure that’s exactly what they’ll do.
“I imagine they will shower her with gifts – perhaps some pampering products like luxurious bath oils and scented candles. Maybe William will buy her some silk pyjamas or cashmere jumpers – things that are soft on skin [after] treatment.”
And the future King might even take to the kitchen to spoil his wife. “Even though he says he’s not a very good cook, Catherine did tell Mary Berry that he’s quite good at breakfasts so maybe a tray – complete with a rose – will arrive early for her,” the expert suggested.
