Prince William turned 43 on Saturday, June 21, and the royal family made sure it was a celebration filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt tributes.
Leading the birthday wishes was Kate Middleton, 43, who shared a sweet family moment on Instagram featuring the Prince of Wales surrounded by their puppies. The photo, taken by the Princess herself earlier this month, radiated joy and simplicity.
“Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies! ��” she captioned the post, referring to herself, their children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—as well as their beloved dog Orla and her newly born pups.
Just last month, Orla gave birth to a litter of puppies, adding more excitement to the family’s home. “Everyone loves a new royal baby news and so new royal puppies run very close,” an insider told The Sun.
Orla has been part of the family since 2020, a gift from Kate’s brother, James Middleton, after his dog Luna had a litter of six.
Royal wishes from King
Credit: Instagram/@theroyalfamily
King Charles III also marked the day with a public birthday tribute to his eldest son. On the royal family’s Instagram Stories and X account, the monarch shared a photo of Prince William seated in a field, dressed in a light blue shirt and navy trousers.
“Happy birthday to the Prince of Wales!” the caption read simply but warmly.
The King’s message came just days after the Wales children melted hearts with a Father’s Day post on June 15. The before-and-after photos showed a candid moment with William and his kids: one posed image under a cherry tree, followed by a playful picture of them tumbling into laughter.
“Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L ��,” the children wrote in their post.
Photographer Josh Shinner, who has worked with the Princess of Wales before, captured both the Father's Day and Prince Louis' 7th birthday portraits—believed to be taken on the same day.
Busy royal week for the birthday prince
Prince William's birthday capped off a packed week of royal engagements. He played a prominent role in Trooping the Colour, riding on horseback in full ceremonial uniform alongside Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Credit: Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales
Later in the week, he was spotted at Royal Ascot and participated in the Order of the Garter service at Windsor, walking with other senior royals in the traditional procession.
Despite the public fanfare, William traditionally celebrates his birthday privately with Kate and their children. Last year, Kensington Palace shared a playful photo from the family archives: William, George, Charlotte, and Louis jumping off a sand dune on a Norfolk beach. “Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx,” Kate wrote in the caption.
This year’s birthday was especially meaningful, coming during a time of healing for the family. The Princess of Wales is currently in remission after undergoing cancer treatment earlier this year, while King Charles continues his own health journey.
In a year William once described as “brutal,” the messages of love and togetherness shared on his birthday stood as a testament to resilience—and the enduring strength of family.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Start a Conversation
Post comment