Kate Middleton celebrates Prince William’s 43rd birthday with never-before-seen snap

Kate Middleton wished Prince William happy birthday with a new photo just days after canceling her Royal Ascot appearance.

“Happy birthday!” the Princess of Wales captioned a snap of William — who turned 43 on Saturday — playing with a bunch of puppies on a field.

The future king was dressed casually in a green button-up and jeans in the pic, which was taken by Middleton.

Middleton, also 43, signed the sweet snap from her and their three kids, as well as their dog, “Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies! 🐾”

Middleton and William — who tied the knot in 2011 — share Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

The birthday tribute comes just days after she pulled out of the Royal Ascot event at the last minute as she continues to “find the right balance” of royal duties following her cancer treatment.

Less than an hour before the event, Kensington Palace confirmed she would not be appearing in the second carriage of the royal procession with William.

Daily Mail reported that the mom of three was “disappointed” not to be in attendance, but that “she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements.”

On Friday, Middleton posted a heartfelt message to highlight Children’s Hospice Week.

“No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,” Middleton wrote. “Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.”

The message concluded with her asking everyone to join her in celebrating the UK’s 54 children’s hospices and the “life-changing work they do.”

In March 2024, the beloved royal revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer. She detailed undergoing major abdominal surgery while keeping the nature of her cancer under wraps.

She stepped away from all royal duties while undergoing treatment, but returned for her first public event in October 2024.

In January 2025, she revealed she was in remission after her treatment.

“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside [Prince] William and me as we have navigated everything,” she announced at the time.

“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” she continued. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.”

Middleton added that she is “looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.”