Prince William shares deeply personal note and previously-unseen pic for Kate’s birthday

The prince has broken with royal tradition to share an uncharacteristically personal note – and previously-unseen picture – to his wife.

IN LONDON

Prince William has shared an uncharacteristically personal note, along with a previously-unseen picture, in honour of his wife’s birthday.

Taking to social media, the Prince of Wales posted a black-and-white picture of Catherine, who turned 43 on Thursday, which was taken by royal photographer Matt Porteous in Windsor mid-last year.

“To the most incredible wife and mother. 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,” William’s message read.

The Prince of Wales has shared a new portrait of Kate in honour of her birthday. Picture: Kensington Palace/Matt Porteous

In the picture of the Princess of Wales, which showcases a more relaxed side of her, she is seen wearing jeans and a chequered scarf while relaxing at home.

It is rare for members of the royal family to share new pictures and personal messages in honour of non-milestone birthdays – and may in fact be the most emotive note William has ever publicly posted for his wife.

The Wales’ in Sandringham on Christmas Day. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

It comes after a “brutal” year, as it was described by William late last year, in which Kate was diagnosed with cancer following an abdominal surgery and was forced to retreat from the public eye for months as she underwent preventative chemotherapy.

The princess began gradually returning to official duties in late 2024, including hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey last month, but royal fans have been warned not to expect her to be “rushing back to the same volume of work” as before.

Despite William remarking that there be may “some more trips lined up” for he and Kate this year, The Sun reports that tours abroad are “not on the table” at this stage.

Kate will reportedly instead have her Centre for Early Childhood and UK-based roles as her “primary focus”, and is planning to support the royal family at events such as Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot and the Remembrance Day commemmorations throughout the year.

“There is no huge reset button on her work and if you look to the back end of 2024 there was a gradual return of the Princess of Wales into more public engagements,” a source told The Sun.

“That gradual return will continue into 2025 and it was an extremely warm and wonderful bookend to 2024 to see her at the carol service, and she continues that gradual return.”

Originally published as Prince William shares deeply personal note and previously-unseen pic for Kate’s birthday