Kate Middleton celebrates her 43rd birthday and unveils a new portrait

Kate Middleon has taken another trip around the sun.

On January 9, the Princess of Wales turned 43… releasing a brand new self-portrait to celebrate the occasion and receiving a sweet message from her husband in honor of the milestone.

First of all, the portrait:

And now the message from Prince William:

“To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you have shown over the past year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy birthday, Kathryn.

William, of course, is referring here to the couple's three children.

He also cites Middleton's journey over the past year, which was unfortunately marked by the star's battle with cancer.

“We love you. W,” William concluded.

In recent months, Middleton has undergone cancer treatment and spent a lot of time out of the public eye.

In September, she announced that she had completed chemotherapy, while warning that the road to recovery was still long and unpredictable.

Middleton said at the time that she was “doing what I can to stay cancer-free” and begin a “new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for life.”

In October, the princess made her first public appearance since her treatment to meet the grieving families of three children killed in a knife attack in Southport, northwest England.

Then, in December, Kate accompanied her husband for an official visit from the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.

This all sounds very promising, but sources recently clarified:

Middleton won't be returning to her full schedule anytime soon.

According to People Magazine, Kate is spending her birthday at her home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor with her husband and children.

The royal beauty was last seen on Christmas Day… as she and her famous family – led by King Charles – walked to and from church in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Sources confirm that Middleton spoke with well-wishers and that many of her meaningful conversations with those gathered were about the illness.

In March 2024, Kate announced that she was undergoing treatment for cancer and added in September that she had completed that treatment.

In a rare revelation during her Together Christmas carol service in December, Kate said:

“I didn’t know this year would be the one I just had.”

Nobody ever does it. But we are so happy to see the princess smiling again.