As the Princess of Wales turns 43 today, she leaves behind a brutal year that saw her face a cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment while raising three young children, and as she dips her toes back into royal life, one expert reveals Kate’s two ‘non-negotiables’
The last 12 months have undoubtedly been the toughest the Princess of Wales has been forced to endure.
Hit by a shocking cancer diagnosis after abdominal surgery in January last year, the news kicked off an incredibly challenging 12 months for Kate and her family, which her husband Prince William branded ‘brutal’.
Adding to their heartache, King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer, leaving brave William to step up and support his beloved wife and father. But it was Kate – who despite enduring six months of preventative chemotherapy – proved yet again what a vital member of the Royal Family she is.
From the much-needed privacy of her home on the Windsor estate, Kate guided Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis through the confusion of family illness, keeping life as normal as possible for her young brood. Today, she will celebrate her 43rd birthday as she always does – by putting her family first. But former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes she still be line for a surprise or two for husband William and her other royal relatives.
She said: “Her birthday is on a school day, so life will be the usual hectic round of getting everyone up and ready, with school bags packed. But maybe William will find time to give Catherine breakfast in bed before he looks after the kids and the school run. A rose on the breakfast tray and some luxury bath products would not go amiss.”
“I expect she might want to see her parents on her birthday too as they have been such a key part of her recovery. I’m sure something very special will be winging its way towards her from the King for her birthday too. If he needed some help in choosing a gift, I’m sure Camilla would have been only too happy to help. She, too, is undoubtedly full of admiration for Catherine. I expect there will be a video call to wish her a happy birthday and to see the children making a fuss of her.”