WHILE January may mean the end of celebrations for many, the Princess of Wales is set to mark her 43rd birthday next week.
And after a difficult 2024, the Royals are thought to be planning intimate and cosy festivities for the occasion.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond spoke to OK! about Kate’s plans for her birthday on the 9th.
“This birthday is going to be memorably in so many ways – it will mark the start of a new and hopefully happier year, and the end of one that has been brutal for the whole family,” she said.
“While some women might find the prospect of turning 43 a bit daunting, Catherine will, I am sure, be delighted that she is able to enjoy her birthday in comparatively good health, though of course she is still recovering.
“Every day must now be extra precious for the princess and every birthday a cause for grateful celebration.”
Jennie pointed out how Catherine’s birthday’s close proximity to Christmas meant that it is often a lowkey affair.
However, given the Princess’s recent health struggles, Jennie predicts the family may do something extra special this year.
“I’m sure Catherine’s new perspective on everything will include her own birthday,” the expert explained.
“As a healthy young woman, her forties would normally have held no fear for her.
“But her past few birthdays have been rather overshadowed by events.
“Harry and Meghan announcing they were stepping back from royal duties on 8 January 2020, then Harry releasing his book, Spare, on 10 January 2023.”
She pointed out how Kate likely felt “anxious” this time last year given her upcoming abdominal surgery.
“That, of course, was followed by the shock of her cancer diagnosis, so this will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate,” Jennie said.
And while the royal expert acknowledged that Prince William “isn’t exactly known for his “overtly public displays of affection or romantic gestures,” she predicted he might have something special planned.
“For her husband and children, this will be an excuse to spoil her rotten and, even though it falls on a school day, I’m sure that’s exactly what they’ll do,” Jennie said.
“I imagine they will shower her with gifts – perhaps some pampering products like luxurious bath oils and scented candles.
KATE'S key rule for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis is about kindness.
According to HELLO! Online’s Royal Correspondent: “Based on observations of photographs of Princess Diana at the time, and the current Princess of Wales, they are both very affectionate with their children.
“Kate is often seen holding her children’s hands or picking them up for cuddles when they were smaller.
“There are often lots of comforting gestures, such as a pat on the back or stroking their hair. When interacting with other children on her public engagements, Kate often crouches down to their level to engage with them – something that Diana would often do.”
When she’s at the family’s home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, despite her royal status, insiders say Kate is just like any other “normal mum”.
A friend explained that behind closed doors, the 42-year-old is “very chilled at home” but definitely not a pushover and will tell the kids off when needed.
They told PEOPLE: “It’s a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There’s no airs and graces.
“She is doing that to help her children be more grounded and keep their reality in check. That’s what really matters to her.”
“Maybe William will buy her some silk pyjamas or cashmere jumpers – things that are soft on skin that has been bruised by surgery and treatment.”
Jennie also guessed that William might take to the kitchen for the big occasion.
“Even though he says he’s not a very good cook, Catherine did tell Mary Berry that he’s quite good at breakfasts so maybe a tray – complete with a rose – will arrive early for her,” she said.
As well as William and children George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, Jennie mentioned the other family members likely to get involved in the festivities.
“Her own little family and her parents and siblings will certainly all want to make a fuss of Catherine as she embarks on a new year,” she pointed out.
The royal expert acknowledged the “steadfast” support Kate has experienced from parents Carole and Michael as well as her sister Pippa and brother James.
“I think her ideal birthday would be a cosy celebration with her husband and children so maybe William will have organised something delicious for a celebratory dinner at home,” she said.
“And I expect someone will have baked a cake, perhaps with the children joining in too.”
