Kate Ferdinand, the wife of former footballer Rio Ferdinand, has honoured his late wife Rebecca Ellison during a family celebration for their son Tate’s 18th birthday. The tribute was shared on social media, where Kate posted a heartfelt message acknowledging Rebecca’s lasting presence in their lives.
In a post on Instagram, Kate wrote: “Happy 18th birthday Tate! We are so proud of the man you are becoming. Your mum would be so proud too. We love you.” The post included a photo of Tate alongside a framed picture of Rebecca, who passed away from breast cancer in 2015.
Kate, who married Rio in 2019, has often spoken about keeping Rebecca’s memory alive for the children. She has described how the family celebrates Rebecca’s birthday and visits her grave together, ensuring the children feel connected to their late mother.
The blended family, which includes Rio’s children Lorenz, 18, Tate, 18, and Tia, 15, as well as Kate and Rio’s son Cree, 4, and daughter Vienna, 2, has been open about their journey. Kate has previously said that being a stepmother is challenging but rewarding, and that she feels blessed to have gained “the four most precious people” in her life.
Rio, a former Manchester United and England defender, has also expressed gratitude for Kate’s role in the family, praising her dedication to his children. The couple’s commitment to honouring Rebecca’s memory has been a cornerstone of their family life.
