Prince William spending 43rd birthday at cosy cottage with Kate Middleton after Ascot no-show

The Prince of Wales and heir to the throne will celebrate at home with his wife and three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

prince william with dogs

Prince William celebrates his 43rd birthday on Saturday, June 21. Fated to become king from the moment he was born, the heir to the throne may once have used the date as an excuse to go out partying.

But as a family man these days, it will be a far more sedate affair. William is expected to spend the day with wife Kate Middleton and his three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

They will celebrate privately at their Adelaide Cottage home in Windsor. Known for its cosy atmopshere, Adelaide Cottage has become a refuge from the outside world for the Waleses, who moved their permanently in 2022.

WIlliam and Kate are said to prefer the seclusion and quiet at Adelaide over their official residence, Kensington Palace in London. Built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, it is currently owned by the Crown Estate with William and Kate paying rent.

William’s birthday comes after Kate’s no-show at Royal Ascot this week. She had been listed as taking part in the royal procession on Wednesday, but her name was removed at the last minute. While no official statement has been made, it is understood she took the decision to strike the right balance as she continues her phased return to royal duties after cancer treatment.

Ascot came after Kate, who turned 43 in January, attended the Trooping the Colour ceremony and Order of the Garter service on Saturday and Monday. The official social media accounts of King Charles and Queen Camilla marked William’s birthday on Saturday, sharing an image of him and saying: “Happy Birthday to The Prince of Wales!”

And on the Prince and Princess of Wales account, Catherine wrote: “Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!” Orla, the family’s Cocker spaniel, recently welcomed four puppies and the picture on the account shows William with three of them