Prince William shares unseen photo marking Kate Middleton’s 43rd birthday with heartfelt message

Prince William unveiled a previously unseen photograph of Kate Middleton to commemorate her 43rd birthday. The heartfelt gesture was accompanied by a deeply emotional message reflecting on the past year, which he described as "brutal." The post, shared on the official Kensington Palace social media accounts, highlighted the couple’s resilience amidst challenges.

This came soon after the King and Queen, via the Royal Family's Instagram, sent in their own wish for the Princess of Wales, which depicts her in a candid moment holding flowers during her Christmas Day walk at Sandringham. The accompanying message reads: "Happy birthday to the Princess of Wales!" 

The past year has reportedly been a difficult one for the royal family, marked by public scrutiny and personal challenges, including Kate's announcement in March 2024 about a cancer present in her body. Experts have speculated that Prince William’s message aims to acknowledge both the hardships and the resilience shown by his wife and the family as a whole. Royal historian Marlene Koenig remarked, "This gesture is a poignant reminder of the unity within the royal family despite ongoing difficulties."