Prince William's 39th birthday: how does he celebrate it after a really tough year?

Prince William has shared time and time again to the press about the importance of time with his family. It seems his birthday, on June 21st, will highly likely involved some quality time with his close loved ones.

Each birthday in the family brings about a released photo (or group of photos) that mark the occasion. On their daughter, Charlotte’s 6th birthday they released a stunning photo. While last year they released three new photos of the family.
Photo: Duchess of Cambridge

Last year Kate Middleton took 3 new photos for Prince William's birthday, and the photos were much enjoyed by the British public, giving a lively insight into the Cambridge’s hectic life with three children.

The photos show Prince William being jumped on as he lies in the grass in their family home. Another photo is taken showing the dad and his three children as they pose on a wooden rope swing. The Duchess was taking the photo.This year is expected to be no different with the public looking forward to some happy photos of the Duke and the family to mark the occasion after a tough year for everyone.

The Queen is able to have two birthdays, but when Prince William takes the throne in the future, it’s possible that tradition will change and he will only get the one celebration. I mean, one birthday is enough, isn’t it?

George V was also born in June and he also only had the one birthday. Having a summer birthday means there is no need to plan another to enjoy the good weather for sunny celebrations. The previous King looks like he could be sulking about his 'one birthday' in this old photo.

Despite the lack of celebrations for William, it's not like many are out celebrating these days anyway, thanks to the continuing social restrictions.

This year Prince William will need to find a lot to celebrate as his year has been particularly distressful. For many, 2020 has been their ‘annus horribilis’, and for Prince William, the sentiment is no different.

William had found the whole Harry and Meghan flight exhausting. The Prince has recently told sources that he may soon no longer stay silent on the matter as the constant interviews that belittle him and his family are starting to affect him.

Of course, Prince William and his wife Kate have been unable to respond to these accusations and many have praised their ability to keep calm and dignified throughout the scandal. They had a brief reconciliation earlier this year but, after their talk, the brothers didn’t seem to come to any definite resolution.

More about the talk they had after their grandfather's funeral

The two brothers will be under immense speculation by the media on the 1st July as Harry will ravel to London and the two will witness the unveiling of the Princess Diana Statue. Royal expert Camilla Tominey said, "All eyes will be on the brothers of course, because everyone's hoping there may be some kind of reconciliation at what is going to be a hugely poignant and significant moment for them, remembering their late mother."

William has, of course, been burdened with an extra load of responsibility after the stepping down of his brother Harry. The Sussexes declined to take part in any Royal responsibilities and fled to California, but not without leaving a heavy load for William. The Cambridges were the likely candidates to take over the couple’s royal patronages.

As we comment on the Sussex’s behaviour, it is worth noting the couple can’t seem to have any interview without mentioning something derogatory about the royal life they left behind. The recent string of interviews has caused concern for many as Meghan Markle is due to speak out on the eve of Prince Williams birthday on Sunday and many fear she will raise some ‘contentious issues’.

This will be Meghan’s first interview since she gave birth to her daughter, Lilibet Diana. The interview with US radio show NPR is set to focus around her book, ‘The Bench’, but it is possible she may raise some more Royal drama accusations and many hope Prince William is braced for the worst as it could worsen the brothers’ rift.

This year also saw the death of Prince William’s grandfather, Prince Philip. Family has always been important to the future King but, there was a special place for Philip in his heart - the man who walked by his side when his mother died, and the man who William described as an ‘Extraordinary man’ with a ‘mischievous sense of humour’.

One of the most difficult moments was explaining the loss to his children. It is said George and Charlotte were particularly upset, but William broke the news with beautiful words. A source told UsWeekly: “William told George, Charlotte and Louis that Prince Philip has ‘gone to heaven’ and ‘is an angel now’.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all UK restrictions should be lifted on June 21, bringing the country back to life in time for the upcoming sunny season and giving Prince William the chance to extend the guest list for his birthday. Of course, this stage of lockdown lifting was postponed and William (and England) will have to wait before we can all get back to a ‘new normal’.

William spoke out about the past year of his life, and the difficulties lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions have presented. He said, ”Lockdown has tested everyone in ways we didn't think they would and taken away coping mechanisms to get through it, it's quite difficult."

Many this year are used to finding ways to celebrate, despite the social restrictions. It is said that William will celebrate at home in Kensington Palace with his wife and three young children and that Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, has planned a ‘special day’ to help her husband celebrate his birthday.

Royal biographer Katie Nicholl has spoken to OK Magazine about Kate’s desire to make any birthday in the family special and believes Kate will go the extra mile to ensure her husband has a day that he will never forget. She said: "Kate always makes birthdays and celebrations special for William and the children.

Ms Nicholl also stated that William and Kate's relationship has only grown stronger as a result of the recent challenges they have had to overcome.
She said, ”Kate keeps William very grounded and she likes to show how important he is to her and the children.”

Last year, William’s birthday fell on the same day as Fathers’ day, whilst this year will see the events a day apart, but that won’t stop Kate from making the most of both the occasions. Nicholl said, "She'll be aware that this year has been tough for William and will want both his birthday and Father's Day to be special for him."

There is a small tradition in the royal family - the ‘prankster present’. For example that moment when Kate famously gave Prince Harry a ‘Grow your own Girlfriend’ kit. It’s also been reported that one year Prince Harry gave his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, a bath cap saying ‘ain’t life a b****’.

Although this has mainly been a Christmas present tradition, Kate has dropped hints that she will be considering a lighthearted gift for her husband to mark his birthday.

With great power comes great responsibility. Kate could be buying her husband a Spiderman costume after being inspired by martial arts teacher, Jason Baird. Baird sent in a photo of himself doing a backflip dressed as Spiderman in order to take part in Kete’s “Hold Still” photograph competition.

Kate particularly liked the feeling of community spirit in the photo and told Baird in a YouTube conversation that she would “see if it takes on the trend here at Kensington Palace. Might have to buy William a suit,”. She added, “Unfortunately, I’m not so sure he’s going to get the air clearance that you’ve got.”

The birthday, which should have marked the beginning of a new ‘lockdown free’ era, will certainly be a turning point for the Royal family and especially the Cambridges as they try to find as much to celebrate as possible after a disastrous year. One can only speculate that his 40th next year will certainly be a celebration to remember.