Prince William penned a touching note to “incredible” Kate Middleton Thursday to celebrate her 43rd birthday, her first after finishing chemotherapy.
The couple released Matt Porteous’ stunning black-and-white portrait of the Princess of Wales on their official Instagram account, showing Kate with her hands in jean pockets, a cuffed blazer and gingham scarf as she smiles, looking off into the distance.
William began the tribute by crowning Kate as “the most incredible wife and mother,” four months to the day after she announced she had completed chemotherapy.
He praised the “remarkable” strength she’s displayed over the past year, which William has previously called “brutal,” as both Kate and King Charles simultaneously battled cancer.
“George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you,” continued the prince. “Happy Birthday, Catherine. we love you. W.”
In December, the couple released their annual Christmas greeting, though unlike previous ones, they used a previously seen family portrait. The photo was a still from the family’s September announcement that Kate was cancer-free.
In January 2024, Kate disappeared from the public eye amid a “successful” abdominal surgery, triggering both concern and speculation when her absence stretched until March. Weeks after her father-in-law had done the same, Kate revealed she’d been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.
She eventually returned to public royal duties in a more limited capacity, confirming on Sept. 9 that she was in remission.
In November, William described 2024 as “dreadful,” adding it was likely “the hardest year” he’d ever experienced.
Just last week, William said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn that Edward Pettifer, the stepson of his and Prince Harry’s former nanny, was the final victim identified in the New Year’s day New Orleans truck attack.
News broke, in the wake of the French Quarter ramming that left over a dozen dead, that neither William nor his 76-year-old monarch father would attend the Jan. 9 state funeral of former president Jimmy Carter. At the time, it was unclear whether that was due to previous commitments or security concerns.