Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is spending her 43rd birthday on January 9th in the warmth of her family’s company. PEOPLE confirms that she will celebrate the day at Adelaide Cottage with her husband, Prince William, and their children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. The children, fresh from returning to Lambrook School after their holiday break on January 8th, will mark the special occasion with their mother later in the day.
Prince William honored his wife with a heartfelt social media post. Alongside an unseen black-and-white portrait taken by their favored photographer Matt Porteous during the summer of 2023 in Windsor, he wrote:
“This is a tribute to the most amazing wife and mother. Your resilience over the course of the last year has been truly extraordinary. George, Charlotte, Louis, and I are so proud of you. Have a wonderful birthday, Catherine! We adore you. W.”
The post was especially poignant given the challenges Princess Kate faced in 2024. After undergoing abdominal surgery in January and revealing in March her diagnosis of an undisclosed type of cancer, she spent much of the year out of the public eye, focusing on her health. In September, she announced that she had completed chemotherapy but emphasized her ongoing journey toward recovery.
“My primary focus is doing everything in my power to stay healthy,” she shared at the time. “Although chemotherapy is behind me, the road to full recovery is a long one, and I am taking it one day at a time.”
A family source described Kate as a naturally active and athletic person who is now prioritizing her well-being. “She knows when she wakes up whether she’s well enough to do something or not,” they explained, highlighting her commitment to listening to her body and pacing herself during recovery.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman, author of The Making of a King: Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We’re being reminded not to see this as a chapter that’s over and then back to normal, because cancer doesn’t work like that. The details remain private, but the unpredictability of the disease is a reality.” He added that Kate’s “one day at a time” approach reflects the delicate nature of her healing process.
Kate’s resilience and determination have been met with admiration from her family and the public. On her birthday, King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute to her, with the bells of Westminster Abbey ringing in her honor. Prince William’s Instagram post was flooded with comments from loved ones and well-wishers. James Middleton, Kate’s younger brother, left a heart and birthday cake emoji, while photographer Matt Porteous wrote, “Happy Birthday, Catherine. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead surrounded by family and loved ones.”
The portrait shared by William, taken during the same session as a previously released photo last June, showcases Kate’s radiant smile and enduring grace. It stands as a testament to her strength and the love that surrounds her as she navigates this new chapter in her life.