Kate Middleton shares new family photo with unusually personal message to William

The Princess of Wales sent a personal message to Prince William as he celebrates his 42nd birthday today with a fun photo of him with his three children jumping over sand dunes

The Princess of Wales has shared a touching unseen photo of Prince William and their three children to mark his 42nd birthday with a highly personal message.

The picture shows William with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis jumping over sand dunes with the message: “Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx”, which means it is a personal message from Kate. The photo, shared on social media, was taken last month by Kate while the family were in Norfolk. In the fun snap William beams at the camera as he holds the hands of Charlotte and Louis, with George holding Louis’ hand, as they leap into the air, all pulling delighted faces.

It came the morning after William, president of the FA, was pictured alongside Denmark’s King Frederick as England drew 1-1 with Denmark in Frankfurt, Germany, in their second match of Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, William’s father King Charles also took to social media to wish his son a Happy Birthday this morning. On the Royal Family account, he posted a throwback photo of a baby William sitting on his dad’s lap with Charles beaming at his young son. It was followed with the message: “Happy Birthday to The Prince of Wales!”

William’s birthday today comes as after he has faced a difficult 12 months following the cancer diagnoses of both his father the King and his wife Kate. Despite his hardships, royal commentator Ingrid Seward has said the past year has been the making of William, and that his mother, the late Princess Diana, would be proud. Speaking to the Mirror, Ingrid said: “It has been one of the most difficult couple of years of Prince William’s life.”

William and Kate at Trooping the Colour last weekend