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It’s often said that we have a “rockstar Royal Family” and with the Princess of Wales back on the public stage, it’s hard to disagree.
For decades, Kate has been that girl: sparking fashion trends, breaking the internet with nothing more than a blow-dry, and charming crowds on royal walkabouts.
The Princess of Wales is known for her glossy locks, beaming smile and warm manner - especially with children. But it’s not just the aesthetics that make her so beloved.
Catherine is a hands-on mum to George, Charlotte and Louis, and a devoted wife to the future King, Prince William.
Today (January 9), the Princess celebrates her 44th birthday and, after a couple of tumultuous years battling cancer, we think she deserves all her flowers.
Over the past year, Catherine has made a meaningful return to public life, using her platform to highlight and thank NHS staff through surprise hospital visits across London with Prince William.
She has continued to champion causes close to her heart, too, from early childhood initiatives to major engagements supporting health workers, families and community organisations nationwide.
So, to mark the Princess of Wales’ 44th birthday, here are 11 brilliant photos of her from the past year.
1. Need for speed!
Princess of Wales, Royal Honorary Air Commodore, is shown a Typhoon aircraft as she is given a tour of the new Typhoon Future Synthetic Training facility at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire during her first official engagement at the station, on October 2, 2025 in Coningsby | Getty Images
2. Star bakers!
Princess of Wales meets families, along with the volunteers who support them, during her visit to Home-Start Oxford on October 9, 2025 in Oxford | Getty Images
3. Happy Birthday Kate!
Catherine, Princess of Wales waves as she meets families, along with the volunteers who support them, during her visit to Home-Start Oxford on October 9, 2025 | Getty Images
4. Farm life!
Princess of Wales laughs during her visit to Mallon Farm, a flax farm in County Tyrone that is spearheading the revival of flax growing for linen, as a blueprint for sustainable farming systems on October 14, 2025 in Cookstown, Northern Ireland. | Getty Images