This week, King Charles III is making an early nod to “Throwback Thursday” to commemorate a significant event – the 42nd birthday of Princess Kate. The royal couple, King Charles and Queen Camilla, took to social media on Tuesday to extend warm birthday wishes to Princess Kate, accompanied by a special message and a rare throwback photo from last year’s coronation.
The social media post featured a heartfelt “very happy birthday” message to Princess Kate, showcasing a captivating photo taken during the coronation ceremony. The image captures a momentous occasion when Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore an elegant Alexander McQueen gown as her father-in-law ascended to the throne in May.
The attire chosen by Princess Kate for the coronation was a testament to refined taste and symbolic significance. She donned an ivory silk crepe dress adorned with intricate embroidery at the hem, featuring rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock motifs, representing the four nations of the United Kingdom. The McQueen dress, paired with white stiletto pumps, subtly peeked out from beneath her blue and red robe, embellished with the Royal Victorian Order Mantle star. Completing the ensemble were a large silver and crystal headpiece and earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana.
In a celebratory gesture, bells rang out at Westminster Abbey on Princess Kate’s birthday. The official Westminster Abbey account on X, formerly Twitter, shared that the bell ringers were performing 542 changes of Stedman Caters, followed by a course of Sgurr A’Chaorachain Surprise Royal.
This birthday celebration wasn’t the first time the royal family marked the occasion with a throwback. In 2023, a throwback photo of Princess Kate in Wales was posted to convey birthday wishes. Notably, King Charles also shared a new photo from the coronation earlier in June to commemorate Prince William’s birthday.
The post-coronation recognition had a broader significance, as King Charles officially designated Prince William and Princess Kate as the new Prince and Princess of Wales in September 2022 following the passing of Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles expressed confidence that, with Catherine by his side, the new Prince and Princess of Wales would continue to inspire and lead national conversations, bringing important issues to the forefront.
In December, Prince William and Princess Kate shared a heartwarming black-and-white Christmas portrait taken by Josh Shinner. The image depicted the royal couple in white button-downs and jeans, surrounded by their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
This series of celebratory moments and thoughtful throwback photos reflects the royal family’s commitment to sharing significant milestones with the public. As Princess Kate’s birthday is joyously acknowledged, the gestures underscore the importance of tradition, continuity, and family within the royal lineage. With each carefully chosen photograph, the royals invite the public to share in their joy and commemorate these special occasions in the life of the monarchy.