Kate Middleton and the art of special gifts: A royal birthday tradition
Prince William's wife celebrates her 43rd birthday on January 9th. Few people know that her birthday is associated with a tradition of gift-giving that is already a quarter of a century old. The person who will follow this tradition will likely be Princess Charlotte.
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 embraced this tradition. Their daughter, Princess Charlotte, will most likely continue this unique custom.
Duchess Kate turns 43: A quiet celebration
The past year has been full of challenges for Kate, including a cancer diagnosis and the entire treatment process. Therefore, she plans a quiet birthday celebration with her closest family.
According to standard.co.uk, the Princess of Wales plans to mark the occasion at her Windsor home alongside her husband, Prince William, and their children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Undoubtedly, for her birthday, Duchess Kate will also receive presents. The tradition of "special gifts" originated in her family home.
Also read: The secret of the royal family: Windsor children do not eat at a common table
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." As he revealed, it was started 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 jewellery for her birthdays.
An intergenerational birthday tradition: Prince William embraced it
According to British media, Prince William somewhat "adopted" the Middleton family tradition and also began giving his wife jewellery. Especially since he hasn't always been good at giving gifts. He admitted this on 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 speculated that Princess Charlotte will inherit the family tradition of giving jewelry when she turns 18 on May 2, 2033. It's highly possible that Duchess Kate will give her a jewel she herself received from her parents on her 18th birthday.
