Kate Middleton's birthday: A quiet celebration amid family tradition

Kate was born on January 9, 1982, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, Berkshire County. She was the first of three children of Carole and Michael Middleton. Her parents began a tradition of giving her "very special" gifts on her 18th birthday. Over time, Prince William adopted this tradition. Their daughter, Princess Charlotte, will most likely inherit this unique custom.

The past year was full of challenges for Kate, as she faced a cancer diagnosis and underwent the entire treatment process. Therefore, she plans a quiet birthday celebration with her closest family members.

Standard.co.uk reports that the Princess of Wales will commemorate the occasion at her Windsor residence with her husband, Prince William, and their children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Undoubtedly, on her birthday, Duchess Kate will also receive presents. The tradition of "special gifts" originated in her family home.

The nature of these gifts was mentioned by the Duchess's brother, James Middleton, in his book "Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life." He revealed that the tradition was initiated in the Middleton family in 2000.

Throughout my teens, my two obsessions, with dogs and all things mechanical, flourish. Weeks before I am due to turn 18, in the spring of 2005, my father asks what I'd like for my birthday. He gives me a choice: a little second-hand Peugeot 206 or a dilapidated and ancient tractor. A tractor? Yes, he knows in his heart that I'll choose the quirky option - and I do. Dad and I load it onto the trailer. As we drive back to Berkshire, passing through lanes glowing with wildflowers, I can't help but reflect on how thrilled I am with my gift - wrote the Duchess's younger brother, James Middleton, in his book.

Indeed, since her 18th birthday, Duchess Kate has been receiving valuable jewelry for her birthday.

According to British media, Prince William somewhat "adopted" the Middleton family tradition and also began giving his wife jewelry, especially since he hasn't always been good at giving gifts. He admitted this in Peter Crouch's podcast in 2020.

I did get my wife a pair of binoculars once — she’s never let me forget that. That was early on in the courtship, that was — I think that sealed the deal. It didn’t go well. Honestly, I have no idea why I bought her a pair of binoculars. It seemed like a good idea at the time, he confessed.

British media speculate that the family tradition of giving jewelry will be passed on to Princess Charlotte when she turns 18, on May 2, 2033. It's highly possible that Duchess Kate will give her a piece of jewelry she herself received from her parents on her 18th birthday.