Prince William pays tribute to ‘incredible wife’ Kate Middleton as Princess of Wales turns 43
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The Prince of Wales issued a heartfelt written message on social media to mark the Princess of Wales’s birthday after a turbulent year.
Kate is celebrating her 43rd birthday at home in Windsor with her family, after a challenging past 12 months which saw her undergo abdominal surgery, be diagnosed with cancer and face chemotherapy treatment.
Sharing a heartfelt message to social media site X, William wrote: “To the most incredible wife and mother.
“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”
It was accompanied by a new, unseen black and white picture of Kate taken by Matt Porteous in Windsor last summer, showing the princess looking relaxed and smiling with her hands in her jeans pockets and wearing a gingham scarf.
Earlier, the monarchy’s official media accounts shared a message saying: “Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!” followed by a birthday cake emoji.
It was accompanied by a photo of Kate smiling as she collected bouquets of flowers from wellwishers while attending church in Sandringham on Christmas Day.
England Rugby also wished the princess, its patron, a happy birthday with a social media post accompanied by several pictures of Kate meeting players and staff.
Next week marks a year since the princess was admitted to hospital for an operation on January 16, just seven days after her 42nd birthday.
Later in the year it was revealed that she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
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