Prince William is sharing a loving tribute to his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, as she turns 43.
“To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable,” William, 42, wrote alongside a new photo of Kate shared via social media on Thursday, January 9. “George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.”
William’s sweet message about his wife comes after Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer last year. In March 2024, Kate shared, “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.”
“The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I’m now in the early stages of that treatment,” she continued.
Kate completed her chemotherapy treatment in September and has since begun returning to work. William confirmed in November that Kate would “be doing a bit more” in 2025.
The couple, who share sons Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6, and daughter Princess Charlotte, 9, wed in April 2011.
Last year, William reflected on his difficult year after both Kate and his father, King Charles III, were treated for cancer.
Princess Kate Through the Years: From Commoner to Future Queen Consort
“It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” William said at an Earthshot Prize event in November. “So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.”
In December, Kate hosted her annual “Together at Christmas” carol concert and addressed her health battle. “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had,” she told singer Paloma Faith. “The unplanned. But, I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times.”
On December 25, the Princess of Wales addressed her cancer battle while speaking with royal enthusiasts following a Christmas Day service at Sandringham.
“The amount of people who have written this year is extraordinary and I think cancer just really does resonate with so many families,” Kate said, per footage obtained by the Daily Mail.
Prince William Says Kate Has ‘Long Way to Go’ Despite Being Cancer Free
While addressing a fan who worked in a cancer unit, Kate continued, “People like you are doing all the hard work out there. I’m hugely grateful.”
After one woman told Kate, “We’re all behind you, never forget that,” the princess replied with a smile, “Thank you very much, [that’s] so kind.”
