Kate Middleton is celebrating her 43rd birthday on Jan. 9 and it feels like a big one. While it isn’t a milestone year, it is a milestone day for her after her battle with cancer in 2024. Prince William decided to honor his wife on Instagram with a surprisingly mushy post — and we love it!
The Prince of Wales shared a fresh snapshot of his wife that royal fans have never seen before — you can see the photo here. The black-and-white image taken by Matt Porteous showed the Princess of Wales in a snappy casual outfit of jeans, a black blazer, a crisp white shirt, and a plaid scarf. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders while she gazed off into the distance with a big smile. Eagle-eyed fans will also notice that she’s wearing Princess Diana’s ring.
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William captured the enchanting photo, “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.” It was the most emotional fans have ever seen the royal — well, except for their smoldering PDA in her September 2024 video announcing the end of her cancer treatment.
The dynamic duo experienced a major shift in their relationship while Kate was battling cancer. William and Kate’s bond grew stronger in the wake of her health challenges. “The last year has left them closer than ever. The foundations of their marriage are impregnable, and the hardship of this year has brought making time for one another so very, very important,” an insider told Closer Weekly, via GB News. “William is ever the romantic – Kate values their alone time; nothing is more special than having her prince to herself.”
The “deeper connection” they formed during her treatment stemmed from William taking on more household duties and really being present for their family. “Kate would never discuss this publicly, but she finds that the strength William displayed throughout her ordeal has made him more attractive, irresistible even,” a Life & Style source claimed in December 2024. “It definitely helped them find their spark again.”
Kate’s 43rd birthday is bound to feel special and it’s evident that Prince William is ready to help her celebrate such a big day.
