Catherine, Princess of Wales attends The Order of The Garter service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle , June 19, 2023, Windsor, England. Photo: Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Images)
Kate Middleton, that’s Catherine, Princess of Wales to you, may be celebrating her 42nd birthday privately on Tuesday, but she received a public birthday message from the King and Queen.
A tweet from the Royal Family’s X account reads “Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today!” accompanied by two celebratory emojis – which makes us wonder if the choice of emoji (“Do we use a balloon, or a birthday cake?”) is decided via royal decree, or if the monarch has designated a Keeper of the King’s Emojis.
Regardless, the tweet also featured a previously unseen behind-the-scenes image of Catherine with the King and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at Charles’ coronation last year.
Over the last 12 months, the Princess of Wales has stayed the course for the Royal Family, a reliable hand when the winds of drama blow through the palace. She remains a crown jewel in the future of the monarchy, despite taking flack from some royal critics for not appearing enough in public. It’s an incorrect critique, however, as Catherine is dedicated to raising and rearing the future king, as well as delving into more serious projects like her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which she founded in 2021 to “drive awareness of and action on the extraordinary impact of the early years, in order to transform society for the future.” In 2023 the foundation launched a campaign aimed at highlighting the integral role a child’s first five years plays in their development.
As well, the final season of The Crown, released at the end of last year, depicted a young William and Catherine kicking off their courtship, leading to a renewed interest in their relationship (not to mention her now-famous university catwalk appearance).
Of course when the real-life Catherine did appear in public in the last year, she sported a mix of princess core fashion favourites, historic regalia and a business-suited approach – which symbolized her leaning into her aforementioned initiatives.
And while we expect more picture-perfect poised appearances in the next year, we’re taking a glance back at our favourite Princess of Wales looks from the past year.
Ready for her close-up: The Princess of Wales in a one-shouldered white up-cycled Alexander McQueen dress, statement floral earrings and long black opera gloves at the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Feb 19, 2023. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Channeling Diana: For a Commonwealth Day Service in London in March, Catherine accessorized her navy floral erdem skirt suit with Diana’s double-drop diamond and sapphire earrings. Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images
Draped in history: Catherine donned an Alexander McQueen gown in threadwork embroidery representing symbols of the countries of the U.K. for the coronation of King Charles on May 7, 2023. Photo: Dan Charity – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Pretty in pink: Even the Princess of Wales couldn’t resist the year’s pink Barbiecore craze while out on the town in London in May. Photo: Neil Mockford/GC Images
Spotted in London: Catherine paid tribute to Princess Diana in a black and white polka-dot dress, similar to one worn by the late Princess in 1988, at the Order of the Garter service in London in June. Photo: Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images
Serve and smash: Catherine looked great in a mint green Balmain blazer at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in July. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
Cozy Kate: The princess embraced autumn and looked comfy and relaxed in a monochromatic sweater and skirt set by Sezane while at Nottingham Trent University in October. Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Blazing her way: Meanwhile, also in October, Catherine donned a bright cobalt Zara blazer, jeans and her favourite Veja sneakers for a Sportsaid Mental Health Workshop in London. Photo: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Lady in red: For the state visit of Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, the Princess of Wales wore a stunning scarlet ensemble by Catherine Walker. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
Blue moves: For the Royal Variety Performance in November Catherine wore a Poseidon gown by Safiyaa London with matching heels by Gianvito Rossi, while carrying a silver box clutch by Jenny Peckham. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
A queen in the making: The future queen wore a pink “Georgia” gown by Jenny Peckham and Queen Mary’s historic Lover’s Knot Tiara to an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace in December. Photo: Jonathan Brady – Pool / Getty Images
Winter princess: The Princess of Wales attended December’s “Together At Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey in a monochromatic ivory pantsuit and Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra earrings. Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
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