Inside Kate’s 43rd birthday – jewels from Wills, surprise from Pippa and a tradition loved by the late Queen 

PRINCESS Kate is celebrating her 43rd birthday today and is set to receive homemade gifts from her kids following her brutal last year.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward also predicted a surprise trip may be on the cards for Princess Kate from husband Prince William, following her finishing her chemotherapy treatment.

Kate will mark her special day in Windsor with hubby Prince William, 42, and their children George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Louis.

Ingrid told Fabulous: “The Middleton family love birthdays; that’s how Carol Middleton really made her money, by making special things for special occasions in her online business. 

“So birthdays are a huge thing, whereas in the royal family, birthdays are not a big thing at all.

“But I think, as William is very Middleton-influenced, I’m sure they will be having a big celebration. 

“I’m certain there will be a big celebration later on today when the kids get back from school. They had their first day at school yesterday.

“They’ll be back from school tonight, and I’m sure they’re going to have a lot of fun with their mummy and give her some lovely little homemade presents.

“That’s what all mums love, to have something really pretty, a painting and drawing, or something that they’ve made, and you end up keeping it for the rest of your life.

“The Queen had some little pops and things that Prince Charles made when he was at school, 70 years ago. She kept them.”

Not only did Princess Kate have preventative cancer treatment in 2024, she also had planned abdominal surgery last January – and stepped back from royal duties with her recovery.

Royal author Claudia Joseph even dubbed last year as Kate’s “annus horribilis” – a term used by the late Queen.

Now Kate is looking forward to going back to work and has conducted a number of official engagements including Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon – where she was given a standing ovation – and the Remembrance Day commemorations.

Ingrid, who is Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine, said Prince William may have a special surprise in store for Kate this birthday.

She added: “I rather hope that William might take Kate away somewhere as soon as they’ve got the time to go, because I’m sure the poor girl needs a bit of a break.

“And hopefully, she’s well enough to be able to go. So I think that might be a birthday treat for her.”

She also predicted Prince William will buy Kate something sparkly and added: “I would have thought a wonderful piece of jewellery to say, ‘I love you. You’re so brave. You’ve come through this,’ something to really commemorate the last year, which was so difficult, and look forward to having a better year this year.”

Meghan message

The royal expert also predicted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who now live in a £12million mansion in California with Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, could be in touch.

She continued: “I think Harry and Meghan will definitely be in touch, but they may not be in touch by telephone. 

“They might just send an Instagram or a message. 

“I’m sure they are very anxious to get back in the royal fold and gain some of their popularity.”

Meghan has just relaunched her Instagram page, ahead of her new Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan airing this month.

Pippa party

Meanwhile, Kate could have celebrations with her inner circle, including sister Pippa Middleton, who is mum to Arthur, five, Grace, three, and Rose, one.

Ingrid predicted: “I would think that it’s quite likely that Pippa, if she’s in this country, probably is because the kids are back at school, would be giving her a wonderful dinner party. 

“Maybe even the King is going to give her a dinner party at some stage. 

“He is so delighted with how Kate has coped this last year, and he’s obviously very close to her. 

“So I’m sure he would like to have some sort of celebration for her when the time is right. It may not be exactly on her birthday, but I’m sure he’ll do something.”

Ingrid advised that Prince William and Princess Kate will buy each other gifts and not rely on staff members.

She explained: “I think in William and Kate’s instance, they will choose the presents themselves, but it’s not exactly easy for them to go out to shop. 

“What happens is, the shop very often comes to them, and certain shops will bring things for William to look at. 

“At least that’s how other members of the royal family have done it. 

“Maybe William’s more modern, and he’ll just slip out, pull his cap down over his face, and hope that no one recognises him. 

“But I don’t think that’s going to happen. I would imagine that certain bits and pieces will be sent around for his approval.”

‘Memorable’ birthday

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond spoke to OK! about Kate’s plans for her birthday.

“This birthday is going to be memorably in so many ways – it will mark the start of a new and hopefully happier year, and the end of one that has been brutal for the whole family,” she said.

“While some women might find the prospect of turning 43 a bit daunting, Catherine will, I am sure, be delighted that she is able to enjoy her birthday in comparatively good health, though of course she is still recovering.

“Every day must now be extra precious for the princess and every birthday a cause for grateful celebration.”

We last saw Kate on Christmas Day as she joined the royals for their annual church outing in Sandringham.

Prior to this, she hosted her annual Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in early December.