Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is celebrating her 44th birthday today, with the royal family expected to mark the occasion with intimate, heartfelt celebrations.
Private Family Festivities at Windsor
According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served King Charles III, a private dinner or small party is likely to be hosted for the Princess. Harrold suggested to Heart Bingo that the King himself would probably arrange a gathering for his daughter-in-law. With the birthday falling on a Friday, celebrations could happen on the day itself, unless the Prince of Wales has made separate, private plans.
"I can almost guarantee that the King will still host a birthday party for his daughter-in-law," Harrold stated. He indicated that Windsor Castle is the most probable venue for such a family event. The focus will be on creating a special atmosphere for Catherine, with Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, central to the day.
Personal Touches and Birthday Wishes
Harrold emphasised that all royal birthdays are acknowledged, even if not with large-scale events. "When I worked for the King, he would certainly have a private dinner. It wouldn't be a big family gathering, it'd just be a private dinner," he explained. The menu is expected to feature Catherine's favourite dishes, adding a personal touch to the festivities.
In a separate discussion with AceOdds, the former butler also shed light on the potential for birthday messages from overseas. He believes that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, will likely send private birthday wishes to their sister-in-law via phone call, video call, or card.
"However I absolutely believe that privately there will be birthday wishes," Harrold said. He considered a public social media post unlikely for now, as it would generate intense global speculation about a reconciliation. "At the moment, while whatever is going on is still happening behind closed doors, I think it is unlikely that we will see any kind of public message right now," he added.
A Quiet Celebration for a Working Royal
The Princess's birthday arrives as she continues her recovery period following abdominal surgery earlier this year. This makes a large, public celebration highly improbable. Instead, the day will be a testament to the close-knit family bonds within the royal household.
The celebrations underscore the supportive role of King Charles and highlight the ongoing, though private, channels of communication within the wider family. As Princess Catherine turns 44, the focus remains on a quiet, dignified, and loving family occasion away from the public eye.
