The tabloids have often documented how Kate's special day becomes entwined with royal family scandals or, failing that, global pandemics. Last year, anticipation for Kate's 41st birthday was overshadowed by the impending release of Prince Harry's memoir, which delved into alleged tensions between Kate and Meghan Markle. The memoir's timing, just a day after Kate's birthday, subjected her to unwarranted scrutiny.
In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's announcement of their departure from the royal family coincided with Kate's 38th birthday, creating shockwaves worldwide and raising eyebrows within royal circles.
Hoping for a quieter celebration in 2021, Kate faced disappointment as her birthday coincided with the UK government's announcement of a nationwide lockdown due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. In 2022, concerns over the Omicron variant led to a scaled-down celebration, with close friends and family unable to join, resulting in the Palace canceling a party for Kate's 40th milestone.
As Kate approaches her 42nd birthday, there's a sense of anticipation and perhaps some trepidation, as she hopes to break free from the recurring "curse" that has surrounded her birthdays in recent years.
