How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘overshadowed’ Princess Kate as she approaches 43rd birthday
The Princess of Wales celebrates her birthday on January 9
As Kate, the Princess of Wales, approaches her 43rd birthday on January 9, the milestone brings both reflection and hope.
After a challenging year marked by personal health struggles and familial turbulence, the celebration will be an opportunity for a fresh start.
However, royal observers can’t help but note how past events, particularly involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have unintentionally overshadowed her previous birthdays.
Princess Kate’s 43rd birthday will be ‘memorable in so many ways’
2024 was a particularly challenging year for the princess.
Following a major surgery shortly after her 42nd birthday and a subsequent cancer diagnosis, Kate’s resilience and grace became a source of inspiration.
“This birthday is going to be memorable in so many ways,” royal expert Jennie Bond told OK!. “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.”
The princess’ recovery has been supported by her family, particularly Prince William and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Princess Kate’s birthday
The princess’ past birthdays have often been marred by headline-grabbing developments from across the Atlantic.
“As a healthy young woman, her forties would normally have held no fear for her,” Jennier continued. “But her past few birthdays have all been rather overshadowed by events.”
On January 8, 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties. This bombshell revelation dominated the news cycle.
Similarly, last year, her birthday coincided with the release of Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare. Released on January 10, the book thrust royal drama back into the spotlight.
“And this time last year, the princess must have been anxious – and probably in pain – as she geared up for her planned abdominal surgery which took place a few days after her 42nd birthday,” Jennie noted. “That, of course, was followed by the shock of her cancer diagnosis, so this will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate.”
Despite the shadows of previous years, this year’s celebration is expected to be more joyful.
Prince William and the children are likely planning a cosy, heartfelt celebration at home.
Jennie said it’s an “excuse” for William and the kids to “spoil her rotten”. She speculated that they could “shower her with gifts” and William might buy her some “silk pyjamas or cashmere jumpers”.
Kate returns to public duties
As Princess Kate moves into 2025, her gradual return to public life signals hope for a more stable year.
Jennie said that Kate is “not going to take any risks with her health” and believes we’ll see more of the princess in 2025.
Prince William has also hinted at future plans, including potential overseas tours with his wife.
Through it all, Kate’s close-knit family – both immediate and extended – have been her anchor.
Her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, along with siblings Pippa and James, are expected to play a big role in her birthday celebration.
As Kate steps into another year, there’s hope for a brighter future. With her family’s ongoing support, she has much to look forward to in 2025.
Read more: Princess Kate’s ‘moment of concern’ during Christmas Day walkabout as Prince William supports her
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