Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is reportedly planning a “celebration” for her 40th birthday on Sunday (09.01.22).
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at the 2020 BAFTAs
The Duchess is set to reach the milestone age this weekend, and a royal expert has suggested she could be set for a celebration to mark the occasion – although it won’t be a “big party” because of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl said: "I think we are going to see the duchess celebrate her 40th - it is a milestone birthday, it's an important birthday - and I think there will be a celebration, but I think it will be a celebration for family and for close friends.
“There was talk of a big party which has apparently been downscaled because of COVID and because of the restrictions. But I suspect that Kate is probably happier having something a little bit more low-key. She had a big 21st birthday but I think that was the last big birthday that she really, really celebrated."
Catherine is also believed to be in favour of a smaller celebration with her husband, Prince William, and their three children – Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, three – because she doesn’t like to be the “centre of attention”.
Katie added: “Obviously the duchess is keen to birthday celebrations, but given her nature and she doesn't like to be the centre of attention, she prefers things to be a little bit low-key.
“I would imagine that a smaller celebration of the family and friends is probably exactly how she would choose to celebrate her birthday. As long as she's with her children, her husband and more likely than not, her family, I think she'll be very happy."
And Katie explained Catherine is likely to get jewellery as a present from her “romantic” husband.
Speaking to ‘Entertainment Tonight’, she said: "I would be very surprised if there wasn't a gift of jewellery, possibly an heirloom, but certainly something special from the royal family's private jewellery collection that William will likely give to Kate.
“William is quite romantic. He's also given Kate very special pieces from Princess Diana's jewellery collection, including diamond and sapphire earrings that match that engagement ring.
“But he hasn't just relied on heirlooms. He has had pieces commissioned by some of Kate's favourite jewellers and for their first Christmas at least together, he had a very beautiful pair of amethyst earrings made for her, so I would be very surprised if a special possibly bespoke or even an heirloom from the private royal collection wasn't among the goodies that she will be opening on Sunday."