Kate Middleton’s Birthday Gift From Queen Elizabeth That Brought Her to Tears—and Came With…
While royals exchange gag gifts for Christmas, birthdays are another story. They’ve included very thoughtful presents. Case in point: the birthday gift the late Queen Elizabeth II once gave to Kate Middleton. The queen’s birthday gift to the Princess of Wales, 43, was reportedly so touching Kate teared up.
The queen gave Kate Middleton special jewelry for her birthday in 2022
Kate turned 40 in January 2022 and got a very meaningful birthday gift from Queen Elizabeth. The queen, who died in September 2022 at the age of 96, gave Kate jewelry. But not just any jewelry, pieces steeped in royal history.
Her Majesty was extremely generous on Kate’s birthday, and gifted her with some jewels from her private collection,” a source told New Idea (via Express). The insider continued, saying “we’ll no doubt see her wearing [the jewelry] at special occasions in the near future.”
Among the jewels were some from coronations past. “There was one very special diamond set that brought tears to Kate’s eyes—the Coronation Necklace and Earrings.”
Queen Elizabeth told Kate to wear the jewelry upon taking the throne
The source continued, suggesting the jewels Kate received as a birthday gift from the queen came with one condition: when to wear them. Specifically when her husband, Prince William, who is currently first in line to the throne, becomes king. When Prince William, 42, takes the throne, Kate will become queen.
“It is very dear to the Queen, who wore it at her own coronation, as did her mom, the Queen Mother, and her grandmother, Queen Mary, when their husbands became King,” the insider said. Queen Elizabeth wanted to keep the tradition going, apparently telling Kate “It’s only right that she is the next Queen to wear them.”
Currently, William is first in the royal family’s line of succession, which has said to have brought both him and Kate “tremendous anxiety” since King Charles III was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in early 2024.
Kate Middleton had a ‘memorable’ birthday on Jan. 9, 2025
To the most incredible wife and mother. 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. W
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 9, 2025
This year, Kate may not have gotten priceless royal jewels for her birthday but she did get “spoiled” with other gifts. In the days before Kate turned 43 on Jan. 9, 2025, royal expert and commentator Jennie Bond shared what the special day would likely look like for the future queen.
“This birthday is going to be memorable in so many ways,” Bond told OK! Magazine. “It will mark the start of a new and hopefully happier year and the end of one that has been brutal for the whole family.”
“For her husband and children, this will be an excuse to spoil her rotten. And, even though it falls on a school day, I’m sure that’s exactly what they’ll do.” (Classes at Lambrook School resumed on Jan. 8, 2025, for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.)
Potential birthday gifts included “some pampering products like luxurious bath oils and scented candles,” silk pajamas, and cashmere sweaters as well breakfast in bed courtesy of William.
Birthday gifts aside, William—and the Wales kids—wished Kate a happy birthday in a sweet message on social media accompanied by a never-before-seen photo of the royal. “To the most incredible wife and mother,” William said in a social media post, “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. W.”
