The Princess of Wales, Catherine, turns 42 today, and she is expected to celebrate this milestone privately with her husband, Prince William, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
While it is customary for William to gift his wife jewelry on her birthday, King Charles publicly extended his warm wishes to Princess Catherine on her special day.
To commemorate the occasion, King Charles shared a never-before-seen snapshot of the Princess of Wales.
The photo was taken behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace during the King’s recent visit in May.
In the picture, Princess Catherine is wearing a radiant royal blue Victorian order mantle with scarlet edges and a silver bullion top, adorned with a delightful floral headpiece.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh can be seen laughing in the corner, while the Princess engages in a conversation with her father-in-law.
The official Royal Family Instagram account also posted the photo with a caption that reads, “Wishing the Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today.”
This rare glimpse into the royal world showcases a picture-perfect moment that reveals the warmth and camaraderie within the Royal Family.
To mark the occasion, bells will ring at Westminster Abbey at 1pm, and it is likely that other members of the royal family will also send their messages of congratulations.
Within just thirty minutes of the image being shared on the official Instagram account, it garnered over 40,000 views.
Royal fans took to social media to express their own well wishes for the Princess, with many expressing their delight at seeing the throwback picture.
One fan commented, “What a beautiful picture!
Best wishes to the Princess of Wales for a lovely birthday today and for every other day as well.
You are truly beautiful inside and out.
We all love you, Catherine.”
Over the years, Princess Catherine has developed a sweet bond with King Charles, sharing similar interests in art and environmental issues.
Just six months after her royal nuptials, Charles asked her to host a private charity dinner at Clarence House on his behalf.
Their warm rapport was evident during the King’s state visit to Kenya last November when he referred to Catherine as his beloved daughter-in-law.
While Prince William has taken on additional responsibilities as the new Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, the demands on his wife have also been noticeable.
As the Princess of Wales reaches this milestone, there is speculation in royal circles that King Charles may promote her.
Rumors suggest that he might appoint her as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter, a prestigious position.
Traditionally, the Princess attends the annual Garter Day processions, where the King and his knights and ladies walk from Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel, donning their grand velvet robes and ostrich plume caps.
However, many believe that after more than ten years of exceptional royal service, she deserves a place among their ranks in her own right.
There is also talk that both the Princess and Prince William may be granted the power to issue their own royal warrants for the first time.
These appointments, personally chosen by the monarch for their service to the Crown or national life, would solidify their seniority and place them alongside other esteemed members of the royal family.
While it is likely that King Charles will issue some royal warrants of his own, including one for Queen Camilla, the prospect of Princess of Wales warrants would be highly valued.
Existing holders of royal warrants believe that the endorsement of the Princess of Wales would be immeasurable in terms of boosting British businesses, particularly in areas such as fashion and lifestyle.
As the Princess of Wales celebrates her 42nd birthday, the love and admiration for her continue to grow.
With each passing year, her contributions to the royal family and her dedication to her role as a senior member are increasingly recognized and appreciated.