by Mick the Ram

Prince William has publicly shared a new picture of his wife Catherine alongside a personal message, as she celebrates her 43rd birthday.

It comes after the most traumatic year of her life, a sentiment echoed by the Prince himself who described 2024 as “brutal”.

In his post on X, he referred to the Princess of Wales as “the most incredible wife and mother” as the royal couple spent a quiet day at home in Windsor, with plans for a celebratory evening when the children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, return from their day at school.

Since her last birthday Kate has undergone abdominal surgery and been through a gruelling course of chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.

Emotional tributes

Prince William’s emotional message read: “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.”

He attached a new black and white picture of Catherine looking relaxed and more importantly, healthy.

The King and Queen also sent their own tribute to their daughter-in-law wishing her a happy birthday accompanied by a photo from Christmas Day at Sandringham, with the princess holding a bouquet of flowers.

Shock diagnosis

This time last year Kate was about to enter hospital for what was initially described as an abdominal procedure, but after being discharged she bravely announced in a video message that she had begun preventative chemotherapy treatment after cancer had been found in tests following her surgery.

The Princess did not make an official public appearance for the next three months until she stepped out at the Trooping the Colour celebration in June to mark the King’s official birthday, although she did look frail and far from well.

Taking time with her recovery

Three months later and looking much healthier, Kate announced she had completed her chemotherapy treatment in a touching video featuring her husband and children, recorded with her playing in the woods and on the beach.

Nevertheless, she cautiously told the public that she still needed to take things slowly, saying: “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus; so although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

Touching visit to bereaved families

She did make a surprise visit to Southport in September to speak with the families involved in the tragic event earlier in the year when three young girls: Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, had been stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift dance party.

Carol service message

Then just before Christmas and looking really well, she hosted her annual carol service and in her address she stressed the importance of slowing down and reflecting on “the deeper things that connect us all” adding: “it is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about”.

Undoubtedly her difficult year had played a big part when developing her script.

“Brutal” year

Husband, Prince William had said a few weeks earlier at his Earthshot Awards event in Cape Town, South Africa, that 2024 had been “dreadful” and probably the “hardest year of my life” calling it “brutal”.

The family will be hoping that 2025 brings much happier and healthier times.