Prince William shares true feelings for Kate Middleton in rule-breaking powerful statement

Prince William paid tribute to his wife Kate by describing her as an 'incredible' wife and mother in a special birthday message - and also shared a stunning new photo of the princess

The Prince of Wales appears to have broken tradition with his unprecedented heartfelt birthday statement for wife Kate.

To mark Kate's 43rd birthday today, William took to social media to issue an emotional statement about the princess following her turbulent year, which saw her diagnosed with cancer and have chemotherapy treatment.

In a public declaration of love, he said: "To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W."

It was accompanied by a new, unseen black and white picture of Kate taken by Matt Porteous, in Windsor, last summer, showing the princess looking relaxed and smiling with her hands in her jean pockets and wearing a gingham scarf.

It is the first time that William has publicly issued a statement for his wife's birthday. In fact, over the past few years, no posts to mark her big day have even been made on the official Prince and Princess of Wales account.

The last time was three years ago in 2022 when Kate turned 40 and a series of special portraits were released. Back then, Kate thanked photographer Paolo Roversi and the National Portrait Gallery as well as the public for their kind birthday wishes.

Kate is believed to be spending her birthday at home in Windsor after George, Charlotte and Louis returned to school after the Christmas break yesterday. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that today, Kate will be putting family first as always, but she still will be in line for a surprise or two from husband William and her other royal relatives.

She told the Mirror : "Her birthday is on a school day, so life will be the usual hectic round of getting everyone up and ready, with school bags packed. But maybe William will find time to give Catherine breakfast in bed before he looks after the kids and the school run. A rose on the breakfast tray and some luxury bath products would not go amiss."

"I expect she might want to see her parents on her birthday too as they have been such a key part of her recovery. I'm sure something very special will be winging its way towards her from the King for her birthday too. If he needed some help in choosing a gift, I’m sure Camilla would have been only too happy to help. She, too, is undoubtedly full of admiration for Catherine. I expect there will be a video call to wish her a happy birthday and to see the children making a fuss of her."

Next week marks a year since she was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16, just seven days after her 42nd birthday.

She spent nearly two weeks in the London Clinic after undergoing the major operation and was recuperating at home when she was told she had cancer and had to begin chemotherapy. The royal family is hoping for a better 2025 after what William described as a 'brutal' and probably "the hardest year" of his life, with his father, the King, also diagnosed with the disease.

The princess is expected to continue her gradual return to public duties with more appearances this year. Kate said in September after completing her treatment: "Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes."