Prince William has issued an emotional birthday message to the Princess of Wales and shared a new photo of his wife.
Princess Kate is celebrating her 43rd birthday today and her first since completing preventative chemotherapy treatment.
The Prince of Wales said in a statement posted on social media: "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"
Prince William has issued an emotional birthday message to the Princess of Wales and shared a new photo of his wife.
Kensington Palace
Princess Kate and Prince William have navigated a "brutal" year while parenting three young children.
The Princess of Wales spent two weeks in hospital in January 2024 after undergoing significant abdominal surgery at the London Clinic.
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 royal highlighted in her message the careful and delicate manner in which she and Prince William told their children about her health condition.
Princess Kate is celebrating her 43rd birthday today and her first since completing preventative chemotherapy treatment.
Getty
Kate said: "Most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok."
We did not see the Princess of Wales in an official public appearance for three months until she stepped out at the Trooping the Colour celebration alongside her three children in June to mark the King's official birthday.
In September, Kate announced she had completed her chemotherapy treatment in a message which was accompanied by a short 3-minute film shot by Will Warr.
In the video, George, Charlotte and Louis were recorded playing in the woods, on the beach and in the sea with their parents, as well as bonding with their grandparents, Michael and Carole Middleton.
In the video, George, Charlotte and Louis were recorded playing in the woods, on the beach and in the sea with their parents, as well as bonding with their grandparents, Michael and Carole Middleton.
Will Warr
The film captured the support network around Princess Kate, but also around Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Kate said in the video announcement: "This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."
The message from the Princess of Wales was one of positivity and optimism for the future.
However, the stark reality of 2024 was laid bare by Prince William in a candid interview in November.
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However, the stark reality of 2024 was laid bare by Prince William in a candid interview in November.
Getty
The Prince of Wales said: "It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life."
He added: "From a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal."
King Charles and Queen Camilla sent a special message to Princess Kate earlier today.
Posting on the Royal Family's X and Instagram accounts, they wrote: "Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!"
