Kate Middleton's Birthday: A Look at Her "Low-Key" Plans | Vanity Fair

By Katie Nicholl

On Tuesday, Kate Middleton is set to mark her 42nd birthday with a low-key family gathering, which will feature a special birthday tea and a homemade cake. According to sources close to the soon-to-be queen, there won't be a grand celebration but rather, a casual tea party at their family residence in Windsor in the afternoon.

Celebrations are planned to be simple and subtle as Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are back to school. A friend of Catherine's shared that though she doesn't have any official royal duties lined up for her birthday, she will have meetings scheduled for the day. The friend added, "I expect she will be looking forward to spending the afternoon with the children."

Even while spending the day with her family, Princess Kate won't be joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who are spending the early weeks of 2024 in Scotland. A family friend said that despite their absence, Charles and Camilla will send gifts and make phone calls. The same friend also refuted rumors that Charles may present Birkhall, his Scottish residence, to Prince William and Princess Kate.

In Windsor, Kate’s family is anticipated to pay her a visit on her birthday. The princess also reportedly held a small gathering with friends at their countryside home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk. For previous years, Kate has shared special photographs on her social media to commemorate her birthdays.

The coming year is expected to be a busy one for Kate, as she and Prince William increase their official duties to support King Charles and Queen Camilla. There are also rumors that Kate might undertake a solo overseas tour.

With the demise of Queen Elizabeth, William and Kate have taken on more salient roles in the royal family, attending key state events and visits with the King and Queen.

The Daily Mail reportedly said that King Charles may award Princess Kate with the highest honor as a mark of his gratitude for her contributions. Currently, Queen Camilla, Anne, Princess Royal, and Princess Alexandra have been appointed as Royal Ladies of the Order of the Garter.

Kate has been actively participating in engagements on behalf of the crown for over a decade, focusing on the importance of early childhood, youth, mental health awareness, and addiction. Her contributions might soon be publicly recognized by Charles, sources say.