'So proud of you': Prince William's touching personal message to Kate on her birthday

Prince William has shared a touching message to his wife, Kate on her 43rd birthday.

Most years, royal social media accounts share a new portrait to mark the occasion but this year, the Prince of Wales offered a personal message alongside the never-before-seen image.

"To the most incredible wife and mother," he said.

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"The strength you've shown over the last year has been remarkable.

"George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you."

The heartfelt message, signed off with William's initial to signify he'd written it personally, comes after a year marred by cancer - both for the Princess of Wales and her father-in-law King Charles.

While neither have shared details of their cancer, both were discovered early last year while they underwent planned operations for other health concerns. Both have since undergone treatment.

Kate announced the end of her preventative chemotherapy in September last year and is making a gradual return to royal duties.

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Prince William took some time off to help his family this time last year, after the Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery, with the cancer diagnosis coming through the day of his godfather's funeral, forcing him to skip the service at the 11th hour.

Alongside the loving tribute, the Prince of Wales also shared a never-before-seen image of Kate.

The black and white photo shows the mother-of-three dressed casually in jeans and a white shirt.

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Despite the photo being taken in Windsor during the UK summer last year, the princess appears to be wearing a blazer and scarf as well.

The snap was shot by the family's favoured photographer, Matt Porteous.

He's taken official photos of the Wales for many years, including Prince Louis' christening, numerous Christmas cards and Kate's portrait last year amid her cancer treatment.

The royal family's official social media accounts also shared their well-wishes to the Princess of Wales.

"Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!" they captioned a photo from Christmas Day in Sandringham, along with a birthday cake emoji.

It's understood Kate will be celebrating the day privately with her family, before and after the kids finish school, at their home Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

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