Prince William praised as 'modern man' following poignant Kate birthday message

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, issued a heartfelt written message on social media after a turbulent past year which saw Princess Kate diagnosed with cancer

Prince William has been today lauded as "a modern man" after his rare move to publicly praise Princess Kate following a difficult year.

The Prince of Wales called Kate the "most incredible wife and mother" in an emotional social media message, marking her 43rd birthday. William appeared to break tradition with the public declaration of love, the first time he has publicly issued a statement for his wife's birthday.

And experts noted this wouldn't have been something Prince Philip would ever have done on the Queen's birthday in their younger days - even if social media did exist around then.

But Kate's journey with cancer, diagnosed in early 2024, marred her turbulent past year and so this birthday, royal experts say, is particularly poignant.

Arthur Edwards, a veteran royal photographer, said: "Prince Philip would not have issued a statement like this on the Queen's birthday. Nor Charles for that matter. But William's words for Catherine show what a modern man he is. He praises her as 'the most incredible wife and mother' and it's obvious their bond is stronger than ever.... William acknowledges Catherine has come through an awful year. He has been magnificent, shielding his wife."

William, 42, told Kate "We love you" in the message signed "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 understood the future queen yesterday celebrated quietly at home in Windsor with William, with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis spending the day at school before a family celebration in the evening.

Mr Edwards, who works as a snapper for The Sun, added: "I've heard he doesn't want her working until she is fully fit but it looks like it won't be long before Catherine is back to a full schedule."

And Kate was able to host her annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey last month. However, royal fans have been warned not to expect Kate to be "rushing back to the same volume of work" as before.

After the mum underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024, she was diagnosed with the cancer and faced chemotherapy treatment. Speaking last year, William described 2024 as a "brutal" and probably "the hardest year" of his life, with his father, the King, also diagnosed with cancer.