Prince William’s rare note and unseen pic of Kate Middleton on her 43rd birthday captivates royal fans

NORFOLK, ENGLAND: The Prince and Princess of Wales are typically private about their personal lives but on Kate Middleton's 43rd birthday, Prince William publicly expressed his admiration and love for his wife by sharing a never-seen-before photo of the beloved royal in a heartfelt post.

The gesture comes after Middleton completed her chemotherapy treatment in September 2024. Sources have since revealed more details about the special birthday celebration and the significance of the rare, intimate image shared.

Prince William publicly declares his love for wife Kate Middleton

In a heartfelt post on X on Thursday, January 9, the Prince of Wales began by praising his wife, Kate Middleton, highlighting her remarkable role as the mother of their three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis, and how inspired he is by her strength and resilience.

The message read, "To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable." 

William went on to express his pride, saying, "George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine." He ended the post with a rare public declaration of love: "We love you. W."

According to People, the black-and-white portrait of Middleton was captured by Matt Porteous at Windsor Castle last summer. The image shows a relaxed Middleton wearing a plaid scarf, a white T-shirt, jeans, and a blazer. She smiles as she tucks her hands into her jeans pockets.

Royal family members rarely share new personal messages on social media but this was a rare public declaration of love on the part of William.

Kate Middleton spends birthday with family at Windsor home

For her 43rd birthday, British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Kate Middleton spent the day at her home, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, with Prince William and their children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.

Fordwich explained, "While usually still in Norfolk at their Anmer Hall home for Princess Catherine’s birthday, this year they returned early to Adelaide Cottage, so her children could be back to school. Ever the devoted and engaged parent, her children come first, so she is more concerned with their schooling than her birthday." 

He added, "Given her birthday falls today, on a school day, and although Prince William has professed not to be a particularly brilliant cook, he is known to make a great breakfast, which he may well have made for her this morning."

According to Robert Hardman, author of 'The Making of a King: Charles III and the Modern Monarchy', Middleton is gradually returning to her royal duties while prioritizing her health. 

Hardman explained, "We are being encouraged not to look at this as a chapter that’s over, and then it's back to normal because cancer doesn’t work like that. The details remain private, but there’s no getting over the reality that it’s an unpredictable disease."

In March 2024, Middleton announced that she was undergoing treatment for cancer and in September she revealed that she had completed chemotherapy.

Royal fans gush over Prince William's public declaration of love for Kate Middleton

Within a day of Prince William's post on Thursday, it attracted over 1.4 million views, with 61,000 people expressing their love for the post and 2,700 leaving comments. 

As many extended their birthday wishes to the Princess, one royal fan particularly praised William's heartfelt tribute saying, "Your Royal Highness Prince William,  that is a lovely tribute. I hope you all share in a wonderful celebration!  ♥♥♥♥♥" 

Another added, "Beautiful message for a beautiful person! Wishing the happiest of birthdays to The Princess of Wales 🎂🥳" 

One X user shared a GIF of Prince William kissing Kate Middleton during a romantic trip and wrote, "What a beautiful message from Prince William. We have seen how difficult the last year has been for the family. But their love and care for each other has helped the family overcome the challenges 🥹" 

Another shared, "Wonderful words♥️ Living life always under intense public scrutiny can’t be easy for anyone but battling through C as well….. The Princess of Wales deserves the very happiest of birthdays🎉 And for cancer patients everywhere, you are not alone🙏" 

One X user said, "Beautiful message and photo. We are so proud too! Love you Catherine. ♥️" 

The final user wrote, "Heartwarming to see this genuine affection within the RF. Many happy returns of the day!"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online