OUR BEST BIRTHDAY WISHES TO KATE

We hear how the Princess of Wales might celebrate her special day as she looks forward to the year ahead

- 

As the Princess of Wales prepares to celebrate her 44th birthday on 9 January, three things will be at the forefront of her mind as she looks to the year ahead: spending as much time with her loved ones as possible, prioritising her health and being at one with nature.

Coming 12 months after she shared the deeply personal news that she was in remission from cancer, Kate will be approaching her big day with renewed optimism. And while she could “have anything she wants” as far as gifts are concerned, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes her birthday wishes will be far more meaningful – celebrating wellness, family and a future full of hope and happiness.

“Her cancer diagnosis has made her reassess all that is important in life and she is on record as saying that it has been a life-changing experience. She has had to find her ‘new normal’ and that new reality seems to be a reevaluation of what is truly important,” says Jennie. “For Catherine, that means family, love, nature and simple gratitude, so on her birthday I think she will want nothing other than to be surrounded by those she loves – her husband, her children, her parents and siblings – and to rejoice in being alive, healthy and at one with nature.”

The princess, who triggered shockwaves around the world when she announced her cancer diagnosis on 22 March 2024, has been gradually reintroducing herself to public life over the past year, to the delight of fans. As a doting mother to her and Prince William’s three children – George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven – her focus is, first and foremost, on her family. But as she continues to reimmerse herself in her royal duties, experts believe her eyes are focused firmly on the bigger picture.