Prince William paid tribute to his wife in an emotional message (Image: Getty)
took to social media this morning to wish his wife a very happy birthday.
In the post, and added: “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 incredibly personal message reflected the difficult 12 months the family have been through.
Last January, Kate underwent major abdominal surgery and spent two weeks recovering in hospital. Several weeks later, the princess was given the heart-wrenching news that medics had discovered cancer – something that the family found difficult to process.
Kate was advised to start a course of preventative chemotherapy, which concluded at the end of the summer.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
While it was welcome news, the six months of treatment took its toll on the princess and her family and there is no rush for her to return to the scale of royal duties seen before 2024.
She will work behind the scenes on her passion projects, such as her work on a child’s first five years, but Kate is not expected to attend many public engagements over the coming months. And when she does, these will not be widely publicised to avoid disappointment and public fanfare.
But one thing William’s message shows is just how much Kate’s cancer battle has brought the family together.
The prince writes that he and his children are “so proud” of how Kate managed the challenges thrown at her and praises her “strength”.
He uses incredibly emotive language not previously used by the Royal Family – especially on birthdays.
New image of Princess Kate released to mark her birthday (Image: Matt Porteous)
Traditionally, the firm’s official social media accounts simply write a happy birthday message, as seen by the King and Queen’s channels today. Last year Kensington Palace’s official accounts didn’t mark Kate’s birthday at all.
But William’s tribute goes so much further and ushers in a new era of royal communications.
It reflects the personal approach adopted by the Wales family over the past 12 months, as the couple seeks to take ownership of how messages are delivered.
Last March we saw Kate get in front of the camera herself to reveal that she had been diagnosed with cancer, instead of letting aides deliver a prepared statement.The video proved to be an incredibly powerful tool, shutting down speculation and showing vulnerability.
Prince William says he and his children are proud of Kate (Image: PA)
Then, in September, a three-minute family film was released to announce that Kate’s treatment had come to an end, and in November, William spoke to the press about how “brutal” the year had been for the family.
The future king and queen want to issue messages directly to the public in a way never before seen.
It’s a PR masterstroke, as the couple are letting people in and allowing more of a glimpse of life behind Palace walls – but on their terms.
William and Kate are making the Royal Family appear more relatable than ever, and by showing their emotions, they’re showing how vulnerability is very much a strength.