As Catherine, Princess of Wales, marks her 43rd birthday today, the royal family is expected to celebrate the occasion with heartfelt gestures. This birthday comes during a week filled with mixed emotions and logistical challenges for the family, but Prince William is sure to go the extra mile to make the day unforgettable for his wife.
Interestingly, January 9th also coincides with the funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29th, 2024. While many members of the royal family are expected to attend the state funeral, Prince William has chosen to stay in the UK, focusing on a quieter, more intimate celebration with Catherine. Instead of traveling to Washington D.C., he is planning a special day to spoil his wife, perhaps even taking on the challenge of cooking—a task he typically avoids—to impress her. In addition to preparing a homemade breakfast, it’s rumored that William will also give Catherine thoughtful gifts to make her feel loved and appreciated.
With Prince Edward stepping in to represent the British royal family at the funeral, William and Catherine will enjoy some much-needed private time with their family. Royal fans are praising William’s decision to prioritize family over official duties, especially after what he himself has described as a "brutal year."
Royal author Ingrid Seward, however, suggested that William might have missed an opportunity to enhance his status as a global statesman, especially following his recent diplomatic meeting with President-elect Trump. Nevertheless, this year's celebration holds even more meaning, as it follows a particularly difficult period in Catherine's life. Last year, she was hospitalized for abdominal surgery, later diagnosed with cancer, and endured a tough chemotherapy regimen, which she completed in September 2024.
As a devoted husband, Prince William is expected to go above and beyond to express his love for Catherine. Despite his own admission that he's not an expert in the kitchen, Catherine has previously praised his skills in preparing breakfasts. So perhaps we can expect a special breakfast tray, complete with a rose, to arrive for her. In addition to a thoughtful breakfast, Catherine is likely to be showered with luxurious gifts, including bath products, cozy pajamas, or cashmere clothing to help her unwind after her challenging treatment.
On the official Instagram account of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William shared a beautiful, never-before-seen photo of Catherine, offering a sweet birthday tribute. In the black-and-white portrait, Catherine flashed a radiant smile, wearing a plain white shirt and blue jeans. Her iconic oval sapphire engagement ring sparkled, and she posed effortlessly with her hands in her pockets. Within 30 minutes of the post, the birthday tribute garnered over 100,000 likes and nearly 4,000 heartfelt comments from royal fans.
The romance between Prince William and Princess Catherine is one for the ages. Their love story began when they met as teenagers at the University of St Andrews. It was there that sparks first flew, particularly during a charity fashion show when Catherine walked down the catwalk in a bikini and sheer mini dress. While Netflix's *The Crown* dramatized the beginning of their relationship, it’s been revealed that the couple had actually gone on a date before the famous fashion show. A former St Andrews student shared that Catherine was effortlessly casual about the date, showcasing her ability to smoothly transition into royal life.
In a heartfelt caption alongside a photo of her with Catherine, the former classmate wrote, “Sending love to the future Queen of England and my university mate. She is the kindest, most caring, down-to-earth, genuine person, and it’s incredible to see her shining so brightly and inspiring the world with her compassion and courage.”
