Prince William breaks royal tradition in 'powerful' statement to Princess Kate

Prince William releases new picture of Princess Kate on birthday
GB News
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 09/01/2025

- 19:28

The Princess of Wales turned 43-years-old today

Prince William has broken royal tradition with a "powerful statement" to Princess Kate, according to a royal historian.

The future King released the statement alongside a photo of Catherine on the Prince and Princess of Wales's joint social media account.


Royal Historian Dr Tessa Dunlop suggested the "breathtaking" black and white photo is Prince William showing public affection for his wife in a break from the royal "stiff-upper lip" mentality.

It follows the Prince of Wales praising the Princess's strength in the personal message.

Prince William and Princess Kate

Prince William has broken royal tradition in his "powerful statement" to Princess Kate, according to a royal historian

Getty/Instagram

He also added that he, George, Charlotte and Louis were "so proud of her".

The full statement read: "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"

He signed the message with his personal "W" signature.

Dr Dunlop told the Mirror: "Black and white, timeless and yet contemporary, the portrait photograph released to celebrate the 43rd birthday of the Princess of Wales is breathtaking, likewise the message that accompanies it.

"Statements don't come much more powerful than that.

"Gone are the days when royalty kept their distance and avoided overtly sentimental displays of affection; William is letting everyone know just how proud he is of his wife, and likewise what they have achieved together.

"Contrary to the monarchy's reputation in recent years, here is a functional family that can face down adversity together."

Kate cancer video still

Kate announced in September that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment in a message accompanied by a short 3-minute film

KENSINGTON PALACE

Princess Kate and Prince William have navigated a "brutal" year while parenting three young children.

In March, Kate announced in an emotional video message that she had begun preventative chemotherapy treatment after cancer had been found in tests following her surgery.

The Princess of Wales did not step out in an official public appearance for three months until the Trooping the Colour celebration, where she appeared alongside her three children in June to mark the King's official birthday.

In a boost to her health status, Kate announced in September that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment in a message accompanied by a short three-minute film.

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