The Princess of Wales proved she is the perfect ‘modern, relatable royal’ in a never-before-seen photograph posted by Prince William for his birthday, experts have claimed.
The Prince of Wales, 42, shared a deeply personal message this week to mark Kate’s 43rd birthday, calling her the “most incredible wife and mother.”
The sweet post was shared with a never-before-seen photo of the Princess of Wales taken by royal photographer Matt Porteous in Windsor last summer.
The black and white image showed the princess relaxing at home, wearing jeans, a jacket and a plaid scarf.
She posed with her hands in her pockets, showing off her dazzling engagement ring, while wearing her hair in a soft wave.
Style experts have told FEMAIL that Kate’s choice to wear “classic basics” for the photo is a perfect example of her “down-to-earth charm” and her success as a modern royal.
They added that Kate’s clothing choice could signal a significant “change” in royal family fashion and demonstrate a more “approachable” royal image than has previously been seen.
Fashion expert and stylist Lisa Talbot said Kate’s combination of a dark, fitted jacket over a crisp white shirt paired with a plaid scarf strikes a “balance between formality and comfort”, combining her “royal duties” with a ” realistic stability”. ‘ charm.
The Princess of Wales proved she is the perfect ‘modern, relatable royal’ in a never-before-seen photograph posted by Prince William for his birthday, experts have claimed.
She said: ‘Princess Kate once again exemplifies her effortless ability to combine timeless elegance with modern, identifiable style.
“The black and white photography captures her in a relaxed yet refined ensemble, a reflection of her approachable and grounded personality as a modern royal.”
Lisa added that it signified Kate’s style trick of “mastering simplicity”, while her choice of a blazer showed her preference for “structured, versatile pieces”, and the scarf added “texture” and “warmth”.
He continued: “Princess Kate’s sartorial choices often convey messages of confidence, reliability and approachability. By choosing classic staples, she underlines her role as a constant and reassuring presence within the royal family.
‘However, its ability to modernize these basic elements, whether through an accessory or subtle details, suggests a willingness to evolve and adapt, reflecting a modern monarchy.
‘His relaxed posture and natural smile in the portrait also say it all. With his hands casually stuffed into his jacket pockets, he exudes confidence and a sense of ease, qualities that have solidified his position as an identifiable yet ambitious figure.
“This photograph represents a shift towards a more accessible lifelike image, one that resonates with contemporary audiences while retaining the poise expected of its role.”
And British stylist Rochelle agreed that Kate’s wardrobe staples provided a “relatable” look.
Prince William’s deeply personal post came after Kate endured a difficult year following her cancer diagnosis. Kate is pictured attending Sandringham Church on Christmas Day.
In an unusually personal message, William praised his wife’s strength, adding that he, George, Charlotte and Louis were “very proud of her.”
Rochelle said Kate’s look was the perfect example of “casual luxury” while maintaining an air of sophistication.
She told FEMAIL: ‘As far as Kate is concerned, her look and style really deliver a relaxed, comfortable and timeless glamour. There is something to be said about having wardrobe staples/classics and this is a great representation of that.
‘I feel like it shows its elegance, but in an identifiable way, that people can recreate. It’s sophisticated but what I would call upscale casual. She herself looks radiant, fresh and very at ease.’
A personal message – and an invisible photo – is an unusual thing for the Royal Family to do on a non-important birthday.
It may be the most emotional message William has ever shared about his wife.
‘To the most amazing wife and mother. The strength he has 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’, reads the message shared on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter.
Matt Porteous has taken photographs of William, Kate and their children dozens of times, as well as accompanying them on royal tours.
It comes after the King and Queen shared their own tribute to Kate yesterday morning, while many members of the public and Kate’s patrons also sent well wishes.
‘Happy birthday to the Princess of Wales’, says a sweet message on the Royal Family account
On their Instagram account, the King and Queen shared a sweet photo of Kate from their Christmas Day walk in Sandringham.
They added a sweet caption that read, “Happy Birthday to the Princess of Wales,” above the photo of her smiling and holding a bouquet of flowers.
The royal mother of three, who was born in Reading on January 9, 1982, turns 43 today after suffering an annus horribilis in 2024.
Shortly after celebrating her 42nd birthday last January, Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales had been taken to hospital for abdominal surgery and had to suspend public duties while she recovered.
However, her time out of the spotlight fueled widespread speculation about her health and in March 2024 the Princess posted an extraordinarily candid clip in which she announced to the world that doctors determined that “there had been cancer” in her body after performing evidence.
The news sent the nation, and indeed the world, into a state of shock as Kate revealed she would be undergoing chemotherapy treatment and would be taking time off from public duties indefinitely as she prioritized her recovery.
Meanwhile, Prince William also reduced his public commitments and put family life and his wife’s recovery at the forefront, while his father, King Charles, also received cancer treatment.
Prince William (pictured with his wife and children) scaled back his public commitments and put family life and Kate’s recovery at the forefront.
However, the Prince of Wales still carried out some public duties and revealed glimpses of the extremely difficult year the family had endured.
Speaking in Cape Town, South Africa, during a visit in November for his Earthshot Awards, William, 42, said 2024 had been “the hardest year of my life”.
Fortunately, after months out of the spotlight as she continued her treatment, the princess announced in September (in another extremely emotional clip) that her chemotherapy had come to an end and that her focus was now on staying “cancer-free.”
He announced that he would plunge back into public life while ensuring that his recovery remained his main goal.
And while she resumed some public duties, the princess showed royal fans the causes she perhaps holds most dear.
One of Kate’s first engagements was a meeting with the late Liz Hatton, an aspiring photographer with a rare form of cancer who wanted to photograph an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle as part of her “bucket list.”
The hearts of the nation were warmed by a photo of the princess and Liz sharing a warm embrace at the royal residence, knowing it was a hug that meant the world to them both.
Tragically, Liz passed away on November 27, days before her family had planned an early Christmas celebration with her.
The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to his wife Kate, who turns 43 today after an annus horribilis last year while battling cancer.
Following Liz’s death, the Prince and Princess of Wales issued a statement praising her as a “brave and humble young woman.”
Other engagements carried out by Kate included a visit to Southport in September, where just a few months earlier tragedy had occurred when three girls, Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven , were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift dance party.
Appearing alongside Prince William, Kate met with community leaders as the area attempted to rebuild following the horrific incident. Privately, he also met with the families of the affected children.
Perhaps Kate’s most notable return to the spotlight was her Together at Christmas carol service, an event she hosts every year and keeps very close to her heart.
Speaking at the event as she addressed guests who had been carefully selected to attend Westminster Abbey, the Princess said: “Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, it’s a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies. , but it’s also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.
‘It is when we stop and step away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, which is a big part of the Christmas spirit.
‘The Christmas Carol encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as how much we need each other despite our differences. Above all, it encourages us to turn to love and not fear.’
The theme of this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ concert is love and empathy, which is perhaps fitting considering the difficult year the Princess has had.
Kate continued: ‘The love we show to ourselves and the love we show to others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that forgives and love that brings joy and hope.
“Love is the greatest gift we can receive, not only at Christmas but every day of our lives.”
His message was told in voice-over at the start of the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol concert at Westminster Abbey.