The eyes of the world are firmly on the British royal family this week following the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are quitting as senior members of the firm, but there was reason for celebration on Thursday as the Duchess of Cambridge celebrated her birthday.
Senior royals paid tribute to Catherine on social media to mark her turning 38, including Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall who shared a message on their Clarence House Instagram page which read: “Wishing The Duchess of Cambridge a very Happy Birthday.”
Kensington Palace – the household of Catherine and William – also shared a never-before-seen image of the mother-of-three in honour of her special day, alongside the caption: “Thank you everyone for all your lovely messages on The Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday!”
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The main Instagram account for the royal family, which represents Her Majesty the Queen, also shared a birthday message alongside three sweet photographs of the Queen laughing and smiling with Catherine during previous joint engagements.
While Prince Harry and Meghan did not share a post in honour of Catherine’s birthday, the couple did share a comment on the Kensington Royal post which read: “Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge today!”
Royal supporters also shared their best wishes for the duchess on social media, with one person writing: “Happy Birthday Kate Middleton. You’re a role model.”
Another said: “We love a Duchess who holds her family (and country’s) title with class, beauty, honour, historical perspective, and respect. Happiest of Birthdays to this busy and very capable mother, daughter and royal!”
While another commented: “Happy birthday hope you have a good day. Try not to let your brother in law take the shine away from your day.”
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are yet to return to work after the Christmas period, however they were pictured out and about on several occasions over the holidays as they celebrated the festivities with the Queen, Prince Philip and other senior royals at Sandringham.
Their two eldest children Prince George, six, and Princess Charlotte, four, also made their debut at the royal’s annual Christmas Day church service, delighting fans as they joined their parents to greet supporters outside of St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk.
As always, Catherine didn’t disappoint in the style department, stepping out in a double-breasted grey coat with a green fascinator and matching heels. While Prince William wore a long navy coat. The two royal were also dressed smartly as Prince George wore a navy suit, while Princess Charlotte looked festive in a green coat.
Other members present at the traditional service included the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, and the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward with his wife Sophie Wessex and their children. Sophie wore a fashionable cream coat and red headband.
Princess Beatrice and her fiance Edward Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, whom she will marry this year, were also in attendance. However the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were absent from the festivities as they spent six weeks overseas in Canada.