Princess of Wales is set to spend a ‘smoother’ day with her family this year after 2023’s celebrations were overshadowed by Prince Harry, royal expert claims

It’s been a year of ups and downs for the Royal Family – and one member in particularly has bared the brunt of it all.

At the beginning of last year – just in time for her birthday – Kate Middleton was shouldering the release of her brother-in-law Prince Harry’s explosive book Spare, which aired the details of her bridesmaid dress row with Meghan Markle and suggested they had a disagreement over shared lip-gloss.

The Duke of Sussex later used an interview with ITV journalist, and old friend, Tom Bradby to accuse the Princess of Wales of ‘stereotyping’ his wife because she was an American actress and is divorced and biracial, saying it prevented them from ‘welcoming her in’.

And more recently, Kate – along with King Charles III – were named as the royals alleged to have made remarks about the skin colour of Prince Archie in a Dutch translation of Scobie’s new book, Endgame. Their names were then published by the BBC.

But as the future Queen turns 42 today, one royal expert told Fabulous that she is expected to spend a much calmer, family-focused day with her husband Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis – and will likely have a lowkey celebration at their home in Windsor.

As the future Queen turns 42 today, it is expected that she will spend a much calmer, family-focused day with her husband Prince William and their children

Speaking to outlet, Jennie Bond revealed that the Princess will likely get to enjoy most of her time with the children, who don’t go back to school until tomorrow.

‘The family can celebrate the last day of the Christmas holidays and Catherine’s birthday at the same time,’ she explained.

‘Last year her birthday coincided with all the publicity about Harry’s book, which was about to be published. This year things are looking much smoother for Catherine and her family.

‘She has also weathered the storm of Omid Scobie’s book and I’m sure William and the children will want to spoil her with cards and special gifts.’

Jennie also suggested that Kate could be treated with some DIY presents from her children – especially George, the artist of the family – and William may even set up a ‘romantic dinner’ for the pair. 

It’s also possible that the couple will get to see the Princess’s parents today too.

Earlier today, the king and queen wished Kate a happy 42nd birthday as they shared an unseen picture of her from the Coronation. 

Sharing a photo of Kate, the official royal family Instagram account wrote: ‘Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today!’

Speaking to Fabulous , one royal expert revealed that the Princess will likely get to enjoy the most of her time with the kids, who don’t go back to school until tomorrow. The family pictured in June

At the beginning of last year – just in time for her birthday – Kate Middleton was shouldering the release of her brother-in-law Prince Harry’s explosive book Spare. Harry pictured in May

The photo showed the royal looking at her father-in-law, King Charles, while standing with Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. 

Bells rang at Westminster Abbey at 1pm to mark the occasion, while other royals will also likely send messages.

Royals fans have also paid tribute to the Princess of Wales on her 42nd birthday.

Taking to social media, hundred of well-wishers made sure to wish Kate a happy birthday today.

‘Wishing HRH The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday,’ one fan wrote.

‘Happy Birthday to our wonderful future Queen,’ another penned.

A third said: ‘Wishing our beautiful Princess of Wales, a very Happy and Special Birthday.’

‘Beauty, kindness and  grace personified. Happy Birthday to my absolute Queen,’ one gushed.

In her almost 13 years in the Firm, Kate has truly cemented herself as a royal power player with passionate causes.

But today, she will likely sit back and relax, a source told the Daily Mail.

And more recently, Kate – along with King Charles III – were named as the royals alleged to have made remarks about the skin colour of Prince Archie in a Dutch translation of Scobie’s new book, Endgame. Their names were then published by the BBC 

‘They’ll be at Windsor as the children are just about to start back at school, so it will just be family,’ an informer claimed. ‘But to be honest, that’s just the way she likes it.’ 

And while William typically gets his wife jewellery for her birthday, the King may give his daughter-in-law a promotion to mark the milestone.  

While Charles’s son has had to step up as the new Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, taking on a whole host of further responsibilities, the demands have also been noticeable for his wife. And things are going to start shifting up a gear.

There is much chatter in royal circles that King Charles might even seal his daughter-in-law’s new position in the near future by appointing her as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, established by Edward III almost 700 years ago, inspired by the tales of King Arthur and the gallantry of his Knights of the Round Table.

The appointment, personally chosen by the monarch for service to the crown or national life, would cement her seniority and place her alongside Queen Camilla, the Princess Royal, Princess Alexandra (and the Royal Knights who include her husband Prince William, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew and the Dukes of Kent and Gloucester).

Catherine normally watches the annual Garter Day procession, where the King and his Knights and Ladies walk from Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel, in their grand velvet robes and ostrich-plumed caps, from the chapel’s Galilee Porch.

The future queen will likely have a low key celebration with her husband and children. Pictured in November

Jennie also suggested that Kate could be treated with some DIY presents from her children – especially George, the artist of the family – and William may even set up a ‘romantic dinner’ for the pair. The family pictured in December 

But many senior figures believe that after more than ten years of peerless royal service she deserves a place in their ranks in her own right.

There is also talk that the Princess – as well as her husband – might be given the power to issue her own Royal Warrants for the first time.

Pressure is growing on the King to decide which members of the family he should permit to issue these sought-after marks of honour, a tradition which dates back to the Middle Ages and enables senior royals to allow companies who regularly provide them with goods or services to use their coat of arms.

Holding a Royal Warrant, which can be displayed on their business premises, products, packaging, stationery, advertising and vehicles, offers huge commercial kudos both at home and abroad.

There is also talk that the Princess – as well as her husband – might be given the power to issue her own Royal Warrants for the first time. Kate pictured in March, 2022

And while it is likely that the King will first issue some new Royal Warrants of his own, and let Camilla also do so for the first time, the prospect of Princess of Wales warrants would be welcome in many quarters.

Several existing holders I have spoken to believe the value to British businesses of having the Princess of Wales officially endorse them would be almost incalculable.

‘It would be a huge boost to British industry,’ said one. ‘Interest would go through the roof, particularly in areas such as fashion and lifestyle.’

A royal source told the Mail’s Rebecca English that the issue of whether the Prince and Princess of Wales would get the power to issue their own Royal Warrants was a ‘grey area’ and that a final decision rested with Buckingham Palace.