The Prince of Wales penned heartfelt birthday wishes to his wife, the Princess of Wales, as she turned 43 on Thursday.

In the personal message shared on social media, Prince William wrote: “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.”

Catherine is seen posing with her hands in her jeans pockets in this black and white photo taken by photographer Matt Porteous in Windsor last summer. She is dressed in a white blouse, blazer, and checked scarf.

It follows the King and Queen’s birthday greetings to Catherine, which included a picture of the Princess from the Christmas Day parade.

At the time, the Princess, who is gradually returning to her public responsibilities, would have been receiving chemotherapy.

William called 2024 “brutal” after Catherine and the King were diagnosed with cancer, shocking the entire royal family.

In a heartwarming family video released in September, Catherine revealed she had finished chemotherapy while spending time outdoors with her husband and their three kids.

Rare public displays of affection between William and Catherine, who will celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary this April, were also captured in the video.

Speaking candidly about the family’s experience in November in Cape Town, South Africa, William stated: “It has been really challenging to try to get through everything else and keep everything on track. However, I’m really proud of my father and wife for managing the things they’ve done.”

Given the Prince’s hints, it appears that the couple will travel abroad together.

He stated in South Africa, “I’m hoping Catherine will be doing a little more next year, so we might have some more trips lined up.”

It has been over 14 months since Catherine participated in an official international visit.

In an effort to improve support for residents of Sandringham Estate and the surrounding area, the Prince and Princess are also starting a new mental health pilot this year.

Together with Norfolk and Waveney Mind, the couple is co-funding a program that will offer targeted groups and counselling to isolated rural and farming communities.

In 2024, Catherine appeared in a few public events, such as Remembrance Sunday, Wimbledon, and Trooping the Colour.

After hosting her joyous carol concert at Westminster Abbey earlier in the month, the Princess concluded December by spending Christmas Day with her family at a church in Sandringham.

The Waleses returned to their Windsor home this week after spending Christmas in Norfolk, so Catherine celebrated her birthday in private with her family.

Following the holidays, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, have returned to Lambrook School.