In an Instagram post to mark her 39th birthday on Saturday, the Duchess of Cambridge thanked well wishers for their “kind” birthday messages. This included a number of virtual birthday greetings from royal family members, such as Prince Charles and Camilla who shared an image of Kate on the Clarence House Instagram.
In a tribute to challenges faced by frontline workers such as nurses and doctors, a post on the Kensington Royal page said: “Birthdays have been very different in recent months, and our thoughts continue to be with all those working on the front line at this hugely challenging time.”
It accompanied a stylish image of Kate waving while wearing a patterned mask, navy gloves and a navy blazer. It has been liked more than 700,000 times.
Lockdown restrictions mean Kate is likely to have spent the day at home with Prince William, who turns 39 in June, Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two.
The day is even greater significance in the history books – because Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip also received coronavirus vaccinations.
In a rare comment on royal medical matters, Buckingham Palace confirmed the news.
It is understood the Queen decided the information should be reported to prevent inaccuracies and further speculation.
A spokesperson for the palace said they will not comment on whether the Queen, 94, and Prince Philip, 99, were given the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine or the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Daily Express Royal Correspondent Richard Palmer said the palace sought to clarify whether the couple would be vaccinated due to “pressure for them to go public”.
He said: “There has been much speculation about whether they would have jabs and there has been pressure for them to go public.
READ MORE: Kate Middleton earns new title on birthday from gushing fans
She was even given a new nickname by royal fans on social media – ‘The Children’s Princess’.
One wrote: “Happy Birthday to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge!
“You are a Princess of children’s hearts because you do a lot of good things for them.
“We love you so much! We wish you good health, happiness and love!”
Another wrote: “Happy birthday to The Children’s Princess.”
And another social media user wrote: “Happy birthday to our wonderful Duchess of Cambridge!
“I wish you all the best because you deserve them!
“I hope you’ll have a lovely day with your adorable family and a great year – what a thoughtful message!
“You’re an amazing role model to me and millions of people.”
