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Prince William celebrated his wife, Princess Kate, on her 43rd birthday with a heartfelt tribute after a challenging year for the Princess of Wales. On Thursday, Jan. 9, William, 42, shared a touching message on the couple's social media accounts, praising Kate's strength and resilience following a cancer diagnosis, major surgery, and chemotherapy.
"To the most incredible wife and mother," William wrote. "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 post was accompanied by a previously unseen portrait of Kate, taken by photographer Matt Porteous in Windsor last summer. The tribute marked a rare public declaration of William's admiration and love for Kate, as the couple usually keeps such messages private.
Kate is celebrating her birthday at home in Adelaide Cottage, Windsor, alongside William and their three children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6—who returned to school on Jan. 8 after the Christmas break.
The Princess of Wales was last seen on Christmas Day, leading the royal family, including King Charles, on the traditional walk to and from church at Sandringham, Norfolk. During the outing, Kate connected with well-wishers, many of whom spoke with her about cancer.
In March 2024, Kate announced she was undergoing cancer treatment, later sharing in September that she had completed chemotherapy. Reflecting on the year during her Together at Christmas carol service in December, she revealed, "I didn't know this year was going to be the year that I've just had."
While Kate has made strides in her recovery, her journey continues. In September, she shared an intimate family video announcing the end of her chemotherapy, emphasizing her focus on staying cancer-free. "Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes," she said.
Robert Hardman, royal biographer and author, noted that Kate's recovery remains a delicate process. "We are being encouraged not to see this as a chapter that's closed. Cancer is unpredictable," he explained.
A royal source added that Kate has been allowed to set her own pace for recovery. "She's doing it her way, and that's great," the source shared, highlighting Kate's determination and resilience in navigating her path to health.
