Kate Middleton marked Prince William’s 44th birthday and Father’s Day with a new, never-before-seen photo shared on the couple’s official Instagram account—capturing William with Princess Charlotte after Trooping the Colour on June 13.
Kate Middleton didn’t just mark Prince William’s birthday—she paired it with a moment the royal family doesn’t often show so plainly: him, smiling, with their daughter.
On Sunday morning, Kate shared a never-before-seen portrait of William on the couple’s official Instagram account to mark his 44th birthday and Father’s Day. The caption was short and personal: “Happy birthday and Father’s Day to the best Papa in the World! We love you very much. C, G, C & L.”
The timing carried extra weight. William’s birthday landed the same day as Father’s Day, a rare overlap the family leaned into with a tribute that felt less like a formal announcement and more like a message from home.
The photo shows William beaming with his arm around Princess Charlotte. It was taken in the Kensington Palace gardens after the family returned from Trooping the Colour on June 13. Charlotte—who turned 11 this year—posed close to her father in a candid moment. The couple’s children also entered the post in the way the caption credits them: Prince George. 12. and Prince Louis. eight. were named alongside Kate.
That same Trooping the Colour weekend has been at the center of the family’s public appearances this year. At the event, William wore the Full Ceremonial Guard Order of the Welsh Guards, reflecting his senior military role. Charlotte wore a white dress with a matching bow. and the balcony appearance has since become the backdrop for the birthday tribute—tying two royal milestones into the same image.
The post arrived during a stretch that was already packed with obligations. Just days before William’s birthday. William and Kate attended Garter Day. and the couple confirmed that Prince George will begin attending Eton College from September. That announcement came shortly after the family joined King Charles for Trooping the Colour. where large crowds lined The Mall to watch the procession.
While the Wales family chose a quiet. private-feeling image for this milestone. other royal posts kept the public mood moving too. King Charles sent his son birthday wishes on the same day. adding to the wave of messages that followed Kate’s tribute. The Royal Family Instagram account also posted birthday wishes for the Prince of Wales on June 21.
Outside Kensington Palace, Father’s Day posts also followed the same emotional thread. Meghan shared a candid photo of Prince Harry with his two children, Archie and Lilibet, writing, “They’re so lucky to have you 🥹. We all are. Happy Father’s Day to our one and only.”
Back at Kensington Palace, neither Kensington Palace nor the Princess of Wales has indicated any further public events tied to William’s birthday beyond the social media tribute and the palace’s portrait release.
The Royal Family Instagram also posted a Father’s Day message featuring the late Prince Philip and King Charles. with the caption: “Celebrating all Fathers. and thinking of those who wish they could be with their Dads. today.” The same handle shared another photo of Charles and William. including a birthday wish for William.
For now. the Wales family’s summer schedule is expected to continue as usual. with attention steadily building toward September and Prince George’s move to Eton. Until then. Kate’s unseen photo remains the most recent window into the Wales family’s private life—sent to coincide with two occasions on the same day. and framed as a message from “C. G. C & L.”.
Kate Middleton Prince William Father’s Day Trooping the Colour Kensington Palace Princess Charlotte Prince George Prince Louis Eton College Royal Family Instagram
So sweet but why do they always need to post stuff on IG for birthdays?
I saw this on TikTok and thought it was fake at first. Like how is it “unseen” if Instagram can do whatever. Also the whole Trooping the Colour thing is kinda confusing to me.
Wait, reply to who? Anyway the caption “best papa” is adorable but I’m stuck on Father’s Day and William turning 44 like… did they plan it on purpose?? Trooping the Colour was June 13 right, so she probably scheduled the whole thing. Kings and queens are always timing everything it feels like.
Unseen photo my butt lol. Like I’m sure it was “never before seen” on their page but my cousin said they’re basically always circulating the same pics. Also the numbers in the caption are weird, why they say C, G, C & L? Are those initials or do they mean something else. And the Welsh Guards order… doesn’t that get worn for like ceremonial stuff? I don’t know, it’s just a lot.