Catherine, Princess of Wales
Image: Instagram
Prince William has praised Catherine, Princess of Wales as the "most incredible wife and mother" on her 43rd birthday.
The Prince of Wales shared a rare very personal tribute to his spouse - with whom he has children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis - on the couple's shared social media accounts on Thursday, in which he celebrated her "remarkable" strength over a period which saw her undergo preventative chemotherapy after major abdominal surgery.
Sharing a previously-unseen black and white photograph of Catherine - who was wearing jeans, a white shirt, black blazer and checked scarf - William wrote: "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 (sic)"
Meanwhile, William's father and stepmother, King Charles and Queen Camilla, also sent a public birthday message to Catherine.
Alongside a photo of the princess taken on Christmas Day walking at Sandringham, a message on the monarchy's official Instagram account read: "Happy birthday to the Princess of Wales".
Catherine recently admitted 2024 had been a "challenging" year for her.
Speaking to Paloma Faith, one of performers at her 'Together At Christmas' carol service, she said: "I know as a mum it's hard pulling yourself away, the juggling."
The princess also revealed that her focus is to "stay cancer-free" after finishing chemotherapy treatment.
She reflected on X: "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown."
The princess described her cancer journey as "complex, scary and unpredictable".
She added: "With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
"This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.
"Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes."
BANG Showbiz
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