As she celebrates her 41st birthday this week, the Princess of Wales is looking forward to a year of change and new challenges.
This is Kate’s first birthday in her new, more senior royal role and her first in her new home as she and her family settle into their lives in Windsor.
But the publication of her brother-in-law the Duke of Sussex’s memoir Spare the day after her birthday has cast a long shadow over any celebrations.
Prince Harry’s interviews with ITV and US channel CBS ahead of publication may also have taken the focus away from Kate’s big day.
Nonetheless, as the Princess moves into her 40s, she looks secure in her working and private life. She is becoming ever busier and her role on the world stage is more significant in her elevated role following the Queen’s death.
STEPPING UP
As well as helping her husband the Prince support the King and Queen Consort at official and state events, she and Prince William will continue representing the Crown both at home and abroad, as well as supporting their own charities.
There are likely to be more overseas tours in the coming months, following William and Kate’s successful visit to Boston, Massachusetts in December for the
