Prince William is marking a double celebration today as he turns 44 on Father's Day, and royal experts say his decision to spend the day privately with Kate and their three children represents a 'distinct change' from his father, King Charles.
William's Birthday and Father's Day Plans
The Prince of Wales, who turns 44 today after one of the busiest weeks of the royal calendar—including Trooping the Colour, Garter Day, and Royal Ascot—is expected to celebrate privately at home in Windsor with his wife, the Princess of Wales, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
This birthday marks a new chapter for William and Kate following her shock cancer diagnosis and treatment, during which William supported her throughout. The couple has appeared closer than ever, according to royal expert Jennie Bond.
Royal Expert: Kate Will Make a 'Fuss' of William
Bond told the Mirror: 'William and Catherine have seemed closer than ever, and more open about their feelings, since her cancer diagnosis. A birthday and Father's Day all wrapped up in one weekend must be making for quite a big celebration—all focused on William. And I'm sure he will lap it up!'
She added: 'He's proved himself to be a wonderfully loving, loyal husband who clearly adores his 'amazing' wife without whom, he declared, his family 'literally couldn't cope'. You get the impression that, like many women, Catherine is the lynchpin of the family: organising the diary, sorting out the kids' needs and activities.'
William's Hands-On Parenting Contrasts With Charles
Bond highlighted that William's approach to fatherhood is a 'distinct line' from his own upbringing. 'This is where he has drawn a distinct line between himself and his father. Not that Charles was a bad parent, but he was often an absent parent because his work diary is always crammed,' she said.
'As we know, and in the face of some criticism, William has made the conscious and unabashed choice to put his children first whenever humanly possible. I'm sure his wife and kids love him all the more for that.'
Bond noted that William and Kate appear as 'equal partners' in their relationship, with William perhaps more dependent on Kate than vice versa. 'But she has been open about how much she has valued and needed his support throughout her cancer journey, and that huge shock in their lives has undoubtedly cemented their love and strengthened their marriage,' Bond added.
Private Celebrations and Gifts
The Wales family is believed to be spending the day privately at home, with gifts from Kate and the children expected. Bond speculated on what William might receive: 'What you get for a man who has everything is anyone's guess. But I expect the children found some wacky, funny presents for him—perhaps something from the football world or maybe even a video game—we know William is partial to a few lost hours playing games.'
She added: 'Catherine, I imagine, will have come up with something rather more romantic for her man, as well, no doubt, as one of her famous homemade cakes. Perhaps she made his favourite chocolate biscuit cake—they had a giant one at their wedding.'
Bond also noted that William often thinks of his mother, Princess Diana, on his birthday, but doubted he would be thinking of his brother Prince Harry. 'I doubt, though, that his thoughts drifted across the pond to California. Harry simply isn't on William's radar any more,' she said.
