Princess Kate is celebrating her 43rd birthday today after a difficult year for the royal, with her priorities now clearer than ever.
In January last year, the future Queen underwent abdominal surgery, with the princess confirming in March that tests afterwards had found cancer had been present.
The mum-of-three then stepped back from royal duty as she underwent recovery and chemotherapy, with this eventually coming to an end last September, with the news being revealed in a very heartfelt video.
Since then, the princess has been undergoing a gradual return to work, completing 13 engagements in 2024 despite her health battle.
While Kate is expected to undertake more royal engagements this year than in 2024, one royal expert has said that duty will never come above the future Queen’s two main priorities – her children and her health.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror: “She and William are way ahead in the popularity stakes, according to polls, and as we saw on Christmas Day at Sandringham, Catherine is the one who draws the biggest crowds. Everyone wants to see her, to talk to her, to photograph her.
“I think there’s an interesting parallel between the way Charles once put his own future on the line by declaring that his relationship with Camilla was ‘non-negotiable’, and the way Catherine has made it clear that, for the immediate future at least, her undisputed priorities are her family and her health.
“She has shown that she is very much in charge of her own agenda and that’s to be admired. The monarchy has often depended on strong women, like the late Queen and Princess Anne.
“Catherine takes her rightful place amongst those strong women, and I think both Charles and William believe she has all it takes to be Queen when the time comes.”
Princess Kate will be celebrating her birthday at home today in Windsor with her husband Prince William, 42, and their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, when they return home from school.
In a very moving post this morning, William publicly wished his “incredible” wife a happy birthday.
He wrote on the couple’s shared social media account: “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.”