The Princess of Wales is set to mark her 43rd birthday on January 9, following what has been a challenging year for the royal.
Princess Kate faced significant health challenges in 2024, having announced she had been diagnosed with cancer in March after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January.
Royal commentator Jennie Bond suggests this upcoming birthday will be “memorable in so many ways” for the future Queen, marking the beginning of what she hopes will be a more positive year ahead.
Previous birthdays for the Princess have been notably overshadowed by significant announcements from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, according to Bond.
Princess Kate’s birthday has previously been ‘overshadowed’ by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, according to a royal commentator
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On January 8, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties.
The timing of Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare”, released on January 10, 2023, also cast a shadow over last year’s celebrations.
Last January, the Princess was dealing with health concerns as she prepared for her planned abdominal surgery shortly after her 42nd birthday.
Bond said: “I’m sure Catherine’s new perspective on everything will include her own birthday.
The Princess of Wales is set to mark her 43rd birthday on January 9
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She added: “That, of course, was followed by the shock of her cancer diagnosis, so this will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate.”
Bond highlighted that while the Princess is still in recovery, she is now in “comparatively good health.”
The royal commentator suggested that every day must now be “extra precious” for the Princess.
Bond told OK!: “This birthday is going to be memorable in so many ways – it will mark the start of a new and hopefully happier year, and the end of one that has been brutal for the whole family.”
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The royal expert suggested that whilst some women might find turning 43 daunting, this wouldn’t be the case for Kate.
Bond explained that the Princess would likely be “delighted” to be able to enjoy her birthday whilst recovering her health.
She added: “Every day must now be extra precious for the Princess, and every birthday a cause for grateful celebration.
“While some women might find the prospect of turning 43 a bit daunting, Catherine will, I am sure, be delighted that she is able to enjoy her birthday in comparatively good health, though, of course, she is still recovering.”