Breaking News: How Kate Middleton’s Past Birthdays Were “Overshadowed” by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle….Read More

The Princess of Wales is hoping that her 43rd birthday is a positive one this year.

After a difficult year marred by cancer and chemotherapy treatments, Kate Middleton is looking forward to her forthcoming birthday in light of her health issues. While the optimism stems from her being in a healthier state since finishing chemo, a royal expert also revealed that the Princess of Wales’s past birthdays have been tied to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s drama with the royal family.

This birthday is going to be memorable 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,” royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! (via The Mirror). “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.”

Bond explained that some of Middleton’s previous birthdays have had complications, with her saying the special occasions being “overshadowed by events: Harry and Meghan announcing they were stepping back from royal duties on 8 January, 2020, then Harry releasing his book, Spare, on 10 January, 2023.”

Middleton’s birthday last year, while separate from the royal family’s tumultuous relationship with Harry and Markle, saw the beginnings of her health complications. “This time last year, the Princess must have been anxious–and probably in pain–as she geared up for her planned abdominal surgery which took place a few days after her 42nd birthday,” Bond continued. “That, of course, was followed by the shock of her cancer diagnosis, so this will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate.”

As for what the princess’s birthday plans will include this year, Bond says the it’s very likely that the celebration will be close knit and with family only. “For her husband and children, this will be an excuse to spoil her rotten,” the royal expert speculated. “I imagine they will shower her with gifts, perhaps a collection of pampering products like luxurious bath oils and fabulously scented candles. Maybe [Prince] William will buy her some silk pyjamas or cashmere jumpers—things that are soft on skin that has been bruised by surgery and treatment.

William might even dial up the romance, too—“even though he says he’s not a very good cook, Catherine did tell Mary Berry that he’s quite good at breakfasts so maybe a tray complete with a rose will arrive early for her.”