The Prince of Wales publicly praised the Princess of Wales on her 43rd birthday as “the most incredible wife and mother”, saying “the strength you have shown over the last year has been extraordinary”. In a rare move, William posted a heartfelt written message on social media following a tumultuous past year in which Kate was diagnosed with cancer. He made a public declaration of his and their children’s love for Kate, telling her “We love you” in a message signed “W”. It was accompanied by a new, never-before-seen black-and-white photo of Kate taken by Matt Portus in Windsor last summer, showing the princess looking relaxed and smiling with her hands in her jeans pockets and wearing a plaid scarf. William wrote: “To the most incredible wife and mother. “The strength you have shown over the past year has been extraordinary. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. “Happy birthday, Catherine. we love you W” Queen-to-be Kate is celebrating quietly at home in Windsor with William, while Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis spend the day at school before a family celebration in the evening. Kate has endured a difficult past 12 months which has seen her undergo abdominal surgery, a cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy. Next week will mark one year since the princess was admitted to hospital for surgery on January 16, just seven days after her 42nd birthday. William described 2024 as “tough” and probably the “hardest year” of his life, with his father the king also diagnosed with cancer. The royal family wished the princess a happy birthday on the monarchy’s official social media account. The message read “Happy Birthday Princess of Wales!” followed by the birthday cake emoji. It was accompanied by a photo of a smiling Kate as she collected bouquets of flowers from well-wishers while visiting a church in Sandringham on Christmas Day. On Thursday afternoon, London’s Westminster Abbey – the church where William and Kate married in 2011 – will ring bells to mark the royal birthday, as is customary for senior members of the family. Last January, Kate spent nearly two weeks in a London clinic after major abdominal surgery and was recovering at home when she was told she had cancer and needed to start chemotherapy. She has been sharing candid news about her cancer treatment for a year, previously enduring spiraling internet conspiracy theories about her health and whereabouts after surgery. She confirmed in September that she had completed treatment, but revealed in a very personal video how she, William and their children have faced an “incredibly difficult” time. “The last nine months have been incredibly difficult for us as a family,” she said, adding: “The road to cancer is difficult, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to us.” The princess, who is expected to continue her gradual return to public duties with more appearances this year, said: “My focus now is to do everything I can to stay cancer free. “Although I have finished chemotherapy, my road to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.” Her words were interspersed with stylized footage showing the Welsh people and their children enjoying the great outdoors, walking in the woods, and the couple embracing while holding hands. The birthday of the princess coincides with the state funeral of former US President Jimmy Carter. But William has stayed at home with Kate while his uncle, the Duke of Edinburgh, travels to Washington to represent Charles. In the past, the heir to the throne often attended the funerals of American leaders.
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