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Queen Passes Title to Kate Middleton as Birthday Gift, Bringing Tears to William’s Eyes
The Queen has sent warm wishes to the Duchess of Cambridge on her 40th birthday through a heartfelt Instagram message.
The official royal accounts shared four photos, all featuring the Queen with her grandson's wife.
In her message, the monarch expressed her best wishes to the Duchess of Cambridge on her special day and added a red balloon emoji.
Two of the pictures showcased Kate and the Queen participating in joint royal engagements, while another captured them cutting a cake at an event alongside Camilla.
The final snapshot portrayed the Queen with Kate, Prince William, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour.
Additionally, the Queen shared three new photos that Kate had posted to mark the occasion on her Instagram stories.
Prince Charles and Camilla also utilized social media to publicly extend their birthday greetings to their daughter-in-law, wishing her a very happy 40th birthday.
The Duchess is spending the day with her closest family and friends, and it is expected that she will have a grand joint celebration with Prince William later in the year.
The Duke will be turning 40 in June, and Windsor Castle or Sandringham are among the likely venues for the festivities.
The royal family has previously organized lavish parties to celebrate significant birthdays, bringing together multiple family members.
Prince William is preparing for a bittersweet moment as his wife, Kate Middleton, takes on a challenging royal title when Prince Charles assumes the throne.
This particular title belonged to Prince William's late mother, Princess Diana, who tragically did not live to see her 40th birthday.
Since her passing in 1997, the title of Princess of Wales has remained vacant.
Although the Duchess of Cornwall could technically use the title, she decided not to out of respect for Princess Diana and the strong emotions it evokes among the public.
When Prince Charles becomes king, he will bestow the title of Prince of Wales upon his eldest son.
According to a source, it is difficult to imagine this not happening.
However, they acknowledged that the moment would be tinged with sorrow, stating, “I'm sure it'll be a bit of a bittersweet moment.
This is her, Diana's, son and his wife, so in some ways it will be coming full circle, but it will also be a poignant reminder of what we all lost.”
Over the years, Kate has often been compared to Princess Diana, and she pays tribute to her late mother-in-law through her fashion choices and jewelry.
In a series of photographs taken to commemorate the Duchess of Cambridge's 40th birthday, she subtly honors Princess Diana twice.
One black and white portrait captures Kate in a traditional pose, showcasing Diana's diamond and pearl drop earrings.
Another tribute is evident in the iconic sapphire engagement ring, previously worn by Princess Diana, which stands out against the white backdrop of Kate's dress.
These portraits, taken by fashion photographer Paolo Riversi at Kew Gardens in November, were described as a moment of pure joy.
Riversi expressed his admiration for Kate's warmth, friendly demeanor, and captivating smile, stating that photographing her was an unforgettable experience.
In June 2000, a grand celebration was held at Windsor to mark Prince Andrew's 40th birthday, Princess Anne's 50th, Princess Margaret's 70th, and William's 18th.
However, this year's occasion for the Duchess is expected to be more intimate, as she celebrates privately with her family.