Prince William has marked his wife Catherine’s 43rd birthday with a deeply personal message praising her resilience during a challenging year. “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable,” the Prince wrote in a social media tribute, adding, “George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.” The birthday celebration comes as the Princess of Wales continues her recovery following preventative chemotherapy treatment after a cancer diagnosis last year. Catherine is understood to be marking the occasion quietly at home in Windsor with William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Kensington Palace accompanied William’s message with a previously unseen photograph by Matt Porteous, taken in Windsor last summer. The black and white image captures a relaxed, smiling Catherine in casual attire – jeans, a white shirt, and a scarf – reflecting the couple’s preference for informal, natural photography over traditional royal portraiture. The Royal Family’s official social media channels also joined in the birthday wishes, sharing a photograph of Catherine from Christmas Day at Sandringham – her last public appearance with Prince William. The image shows her collecting flowers from well-wishers while attending church services. This birthday marks a period of reflection for the Royal Family. William recently described 2024 as “probably the hardest year” of his life, facing both his wife’s and father’s cancer diagnoses. The family’s resilience was evident in their Christmas message last month, which featured an image from Catherine’s emotional video announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment. That August video, filmed in Norfolk, carried a message of hope from the Princess: “out of darkness can come light.” The sentiment continues to resonate as the family navigates these challenging times together.