Kate celebrates 42nd birthday as the royal family share behind-the-scenes photo
The Princess of Wales was pictured in her regal robes at Buckingham Palace on the day of the King’s coronation
The royal family have wished the Princess of Wales a happy 42nd birthday, posting a new behind-the-scenes photo of Kate on the King’s coronation day.
Kate, wearing her deep blue Royal Victorian Order mantle edged in scarlet and silver bullion, and crystal and silver thread work leaf embroidery headpiece, is pictured smiling at her newly crowned father-in-law, Charles.
The scene, taken inside Buckingham Palace after the coronation, also features the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh laughing and celebrating with the King, who is wearing the Imperial State Crown, after the historic ceremony.
Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today! 🎈🎊
📷 @ChrisJack_Getty pic.twitter.com/NhkHYdTFIf
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 9, 2024
The image was taken by Chris Jackson of Getty Images.
Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to Carole and Michael Middleton on January 9 1982, and grew up in Berkshire with siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton.
She met and began dating Prince William, now the Prince of Wales, at St Andrews University, and married him in Westminster Abbey in 2011, becoming the Duchess of Cambridge and also a future Queen.
The Princess of Wales during a family portage session at the Orchards Centre in Milton Regis, Sittingbourne, Kent
Just over a year into her new role as the Princess of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Kate has channelled her energy into her Shaping Us campaign, which aims to highlight and promote the significance of the formative years of a child’s life.
Kensington Palace released a childhood photo from the Middleton family album last month of Kate as a chubby-cheeked toddler, with her brown hair in a bob, sitting at the table at Christmas in 1983.
The image was used to celebrate the Shaping Us initiative ahead of Kate’s Together At Christmas carol concert in Westminster Abbey.
Sharing some festive memories this Christmas because #ShapingUs is all about the vital importance of our early years and the role played by those around us in shaping the rest of our lives.
📸 of The Princess, Christmas 1983
Don’t miss the Together at Christmas Carol Service… pic.twitter.com/YbtYrZIbmt
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 18, 2023
Mother-of-three Kate missed out on a trip to Singapore with William last autumn for the Earthshot Prize awards, staying at home with 10-year-old son Prince George.
George was facing his first set of major exams to decide which school he will attend when he turns 13.
Eton and Marlborough College are expected to be among the contenders.
The Wales family on Christmas Day with Mia Tindall
There was no major joint official overseas tour for the Waleses in 2023, with William and Kate taking a back seat to allow the King and Queen to embark on their inaugural travels.
But the prince and princess are reported to be planning to travel to Italy this spring.
The Press Association
Latest posts by The Press Association (see all)
- The Princess of Wales pays tribute to the late Queen in burgundy ensemble for Qatar state visit - December 3, 2024
- Give your garden wildlife some home-made Christmas treats - December 2, 2024
- What is surgery prehabilitation and why is it important? As Joe Wicks launches get ‘fit for surgery’ videos for elderly - November 30, 2024
- How to manage your arthritis in the cold weather - November 30, 2024
- How to help a child through grief - November 28, 2024
Next up...
