What Prince William’s Birthday Tribute to Kate Middleton Reveals About How Her Cancer Diagnosis Has Affected Their Relationship
A royal expert unpacked the meaning behind the "'heartfelt" post.

If anyone needed to kick 2025 off with a reason to celebrate, it was Kate Middleton, who spent most of 2024 out of the public eye while undergoing treatment for cancer.
So, when Kate turned 43 on Thursday, Jan. 9, it wasn't surprising that royal Instagram (and royal TikTok and royal Twitter/X) flooded with posts in honor of the Princess of Wales. What was a little surprising, however, was that her husband, Prince William, was one of the people who personally posted a birthday message for her on social media.
"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," he wrote in a caption signed "W," along with a previously-unreleased picture of Kate.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
As stunning as the black and white portrait (which was taken by royal photographer Matt Porteous, in Windsor, last summer, according to the Daily Mail) is, however, not even a beautiful, previously-unseen picture can pull focus from Will's personal message in the post's caption.
The mere existence of the public birthday tribute from William is significant. Some years, the Prince and Princess of Wales' official social media accounts haven't acknowledged Kate's birthday at all, and when they have shared posts to mark the occasion, the posts have been more formal than personal—like in 2022, when the couple's official Instagram account commemorated her 40th birthday by debuting her new National Portrait Gallery portraits.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
Even though it was brief, Will's personal birthday tribute for Kate spoke volumes about the state of the couple's relationship following her cancer treatment, according to royal expert Hugo Vickers, who unpacked the significance of the post.
According to The Sun, Vickers believes the message could "signal a new openness from the royal family since [Kate's] cancer treatment."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"This message of admiration from Prince William is very heartfelt and very special and I think that we're all very pleased that she's gradually getting better," Vickers explained.
The royal author honed in on one word in the message as being particularly meaningful: Strength.
"William mentioned the word strength, and I think that is one of her quiet qualities," Hugo added. "It's sort of an inner strength that she has a confidence and something which is not in any way overt or explicit. But it's just there, and I think that's one of the things that we admire about her, her resilience and her determination."
While Kate has clearly demonstrated a great deal of strength in the past year amid her cancer treatment, Vickers also pointed out the impact her health journey has had on William.
"I've got sympathy for Prince William, because he must have had a pretty difficult year himself, and he has indeed said so, and in fact, he said, it was the most difficult year of his life," Vickers explained. "Having a wife who is not well, and three small children, and all the other responsibilities that come with his position in life, he's got a lot on his shoulders, and I think he's handled it very well."
In its report, The Sun noted that Vickers "explained the tribute demonstrates solidarity in marriage, teamwork, and the importance of family and unity" and "believes the post itself emphasi[z]es how the couple are strong together."
The royal expert concluded his analysis of the post with a kind of tribute of his own to Kate, calling her "the great star of the Royal Family" and "the great hope of the future" before declaring, "One day she'll make a wonderful queen."
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
How to Help Those Who Lost Everything
Stories from the frontlines of natural disasters.
By Rose Minutaglio Published
-
Palace Sources Say King Charles's Hospitalization Was a "Bump in the Road" as He Returns to Regular Duties
It was business as usual for The King on April 1.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Hailey Bieber Responds to Fans Saying She Unfollowed Justin Bieber on Instagram
"Hope this helps!"
By Lia Beck Published
-
Prince Harry and Prince William "Hated" Princess Diana's One Tactic to Show How They Were "Equal"
Former royal butler Paul Burrell said "the boys didn’t like that and they didn’t understand."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William's Love of Family Travel "Has Been Shaped" by Princess Diana's Death and Desire for a "Normal Upbringing"
"He understands his duty but also wants to make sure his family comes first."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Royal Fans Want Details About Kate Middleton and Prince William's "Mysterious" New Family Member
This is a case for the FBI!
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Inside Kate Middleton's "Extra Special" Mother's Day Celebrations With Prince William and Family
"This Mother’s Day is one they can wholeheartedly celebrate as Catherine continues her recovery."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William Want to "Renovate" an "Abandoned" Part of Their Home, Adelaide Cottage
"I think they surprised a lot of people when they moved there," a royal expert explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Exclusive: How Prince Harry and Prince William Honored Princess Diana on Mother's Day
"Their mother was paramount in their life," former royal butler Paul Burrell tells 'Marie Claire.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William Will Be Making More Joint Appearances "Whenever Possible," Says Royal Expert
A royal expert weighed in on their plans, calling them "the world's most glamorous royal couple."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Shares an Emotional Mother's Day Post One Year After Her Photoshop Scandal
The Princess of Wales is moving on from her photo faux pas with a personal video montage.
By Amy Mackelden Published