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.

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.

Prince William has shared a new picture of his wife Kate along with a personal message for her 43rd birthday. In a post on X, he wrote: "To the most incredible wife and mother. "The strength you've 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."

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.