Kate Middleton, who is celebrating her 43rd birthday on Jan. 9, has proven herself to be the shiniest jewel of the British monarchy. The princess is married to Prince William, heir to the throne.

Prince William has shared a loving tribute to Kate Middleton. We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE .

Kate Middleton is celebrating a big milestone this week, and after the year she's had, her husband Prince William is planning on making her birthday celebration extra special this year. Middleton is turning 43 on Thursday, January 9, and William wants to "spoil" his wife after her cancer battle.

According to Kate Middleton's college roommate, Prince William paid £200 in a charity auction to win a date with her even before the 2002 fashion show that was believed to have sparked their decades-long romance.

Princess Kate Middleton will soon be ringing in her 43rd birthday and a source says Prince William and their children are pulling out all the stops to make it as special and family-oriented as possible.

As she continues her return to public life, Kate Middleton joked “I seem to have lost my family!” after she fell behind Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on the royal family’s traditional Christmas Day walkabout.