As birthdays go, one fit for the future Queen Princess Catherine that is, the celebrations will be low-key. Although her plan is usually a private and low-key affair, we know a few details about how she’s been feted in past years. Last year, her birthday coincided with all the publicity about Harry’s book, which was about to be published. This year, things are looking much smoother for Catherine and her family. She has also weathered the storm of Omid Scobie’s book, and no doubt her husband William will have plans up his sleeve to ensure the day is special for his wife of 11 years.
According to a Royal Insider, William is determined to spoil his wife because it’s been a really tough time for her. He’s probably got a little bit of romance in him somewhere, and even though he says he’s not a very good cook, Catherine did tell Mary Berry that he’s quite good at breakfast. So, a special tray complete with a rose could arrive early for her. The father of three opted for a smaller, simpler gathering, inviting family and close friends to Anmer Hall in Norfolk, where the Princess has spent most of her birthdays since marrying into the royal family. We imagine a candle-lit champagne dinner will be on the cards.
According to a source, Prince William celebrated a lavish party with friends and had a five-course feast with champagne and red velvet cake. The guest list has previously included Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, William’s lifelong friend Tom van Straubenzee and his wife Lucy Lanigan-O’Keeffe, James Meade and his wife Laura, neighbor and longtime pal Sophie Snuggs and her husband Robert. Last year, she was treated to a special tea party with candles and presents hosted by her husband and kids. Luckily, Prince William knows exactly how to fix a perfect cuppa. If you go around to her house, you get a cup of tea, and it’s often William who makes it. It’s a lovely, welcoming house, not a fancy showy place in any way.
Meanwhile, another source reported that her low-key celebrations will likely include a sweet feast of cake and ice cream with the children. But, to be honest, that’s just the way she likes it. Catherine’s first birthday with a royal title was on her 30th in January 2012. She had married William in April 2011 and decided that no birthday celebrations could rival that of the royal wedding. So, her 30th birthday was spent enjoying a romantic meal with William at Kensington Palace. Over the last 10 years, Princess Catherine has also been pregnant for three of her birthdays. She was pregnant with George when she turned 31, with Charlotte turning 33, and in 2018 turning 36 with Prince Louis. So, no wild parties or inevitable hangovers for her.
The last time she was seen out on the town for her birthday was back in 2008, aged just 26. At that time, the young royal-to-be celebrated without William, who was away with his Royal Air Force training. Instead, she was photographed enjoying a meal out at the Tom Aikens restaurant in Chelsea, and then heading to Kitts Club in Sloane Square with her sister Pippa.
For now, Princess Catherine’s birthday is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, family bonds, and joy found in handcrafted gestures. The coming years may unveil more significant public celebrations as she steps into the next chapter of her life. The Princess shows all the signs of becoming a perfect Queen consort, a beacon of grace, strength, and regal poise. A source close to Catherine previously said, “At the end of the day, she’s in training to be a future Queen, but honestly, you would never know it.”
Like other royal consorts in history, Princess Catherine has a toughness behind the scenes as she supports her husband and future King, William. According to royal author Valentine Low, “She has this public image of being nice and smiley, and dare I say innocuous, but she’s actually strong-minded, strong-willed, and prepared to fight for what she wants and what she thinks is right.” The co-host of the BBC podcast, Simon Lewis, adds, “She’s very much seen as a player at the center of Team Windsor.”
As she turns 42, the Princess stands as a testament to resilience and growth, emerging stronger and more confident than ever. While the royal family traditionally reserves public celebrations for male birthdays, let the trumpets sound, and may the royal celebrations commence!
