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Royal family LIVE: Princess Kate celebrates her 44th birthday and more


All the latest royal news from Friday, 9th January as well-wishes pour in for the Princess of Wales on her special day


Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales wears pearl earrings and a white blazer with orange blouse© Samir Hussein/WireImage
HELLO!
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
Rebecca LewisLos Angeles correspondent
Updated: 1 hour ago
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TODAY'S ROYAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Princess of Wales turns 44
Senior Evening Writer
1h ago

Style queen

Queen Rania is regularly one of fashion go-tos, and the Jordanian royal really impressed with her latest look. Get all the info here!

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Senior Evening Writer
3h ago

Prince Philip's test for staff

The late Duke of Edinburgh was known for his sense of humour, and it's now emerged that the royal had his own way of testing to make sure royal staff were undertaking their duties. Click here to learn about Philip's secret test...

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Senior Evening Writer
4h ago

Pippa Middleton's fashionable turn

Pippa Middleton has worn plenty of stunning looks over the years, and our Fashion and Beauty editor, Laura Sutcliffe, has delved into the archives to resurrect this stylish ensemble that would be perfect at a birthday party. Check it out here!

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Senior Evening Writer
5h ago

Princess of Wales steps into her 'Second Act'

As she turns 44, the Princess of Wales has officially entered mid-life. Our Second Act editor, Isabel Mohan, explores what that means here...

Kate Middleton wearing burgundy and chatting to Pete Maclaine© Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Pala
The royal is now 44
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Senior Evening Writer
5h ago

Queen Mary's next tiara moment revealed

There's nothing like seeing a royal lady wearing a glamorous tiara, and we now know when Denmark's Queen Mary will next be making an outing in the headpiece. Click here to find out more.

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Senior Evening Writer
6h ago

Duchess Sophie's plea

Alongside her visit to the Lightouse in Woking, the Duchess of Edinburgh has returned to work with a first-person piece in The Daily Telegraph. The royal, who is known for her humanitarian work urged people not to forget the ongoing war in Sudan. Read more about her piece here...

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Senior Evening Writer
6h ago

No snow day for the Norwegian royals

While schools across the UK have been shut due to snow, it's business as usual for the Norwegian royals. On Friday, King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon held the inaugural council of state of 2026.

A palace in the snow© AFP via Getty Images
Snow has hit Norway!
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Royal Managing Editor
7h ago

Princess Kate and the 'monkey method'

Composite of the Princess of Wales with her children© Getty
Kate is preparing her children for their future royal roles

Before Matt logs on, I just wanted to flag a new post that's dropped over on The HELLO! Royal Club

Written by royal author Robert Jobson, the post is a deep-dive into how birthday girl Princess Kate is preparing her three young children for life in the spotlight and their future royal roles.

Robert talks about the "monkey method" and much more. Intrigued? Sign up to the Club to read the post.

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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
7h ago

Goodbye from Laura

It's been a pure delight to chat about all things royal as they happen this morning! I now pass the baton over to Matthew, who will be with you this afternoon.

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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
8h ago

Duchess Sophie quietly returns to work

According to the Court Circular, the Duchess of Edinburgh quietly resumed her royal duties on Thursday as she visited the new premises of her patronage, The Lighthouse in Woking, which provides several services to help the local community.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, wore the Prada coat to Ascot in December 2015© UK Press via Getty Images
Duchess Sophie is back to royal duties after the Christmas break

Sophie last visited the establishment in December 2025. Check out HELLO!'s Online Royal Correspondent Danielle Stacey's article here for all the details.

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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
9h ago

Princess Kate relaunches seasonal colour, and it's proving very popular with shoppers

On 8 January, the Princess of Wales opted for a burgundy look as she made a surprise appearance at Charing Cross Hospital in west London to highlight the work of NHS staff and volunteers.

Kate Middleton and Prince William visit Charing Cross Hospital © Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Pala
The Princess of Wales and Prince William visit Charing Cross Hospital
Prince William's wife wore one of her most flattering suits, a burgundy number by Roland Mouret. The single-breasted two-piece ensemble was paired with a new blouse in the same rich red wine hue by ME+EM. Known simply as the 'Sleeveless Top + Scarf', it is down to £136.50 in the brand's sale and has already sold out in two sizes.
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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
9h ago

Princess Kate wears an item from her pre-royal vault in new birthday portrait

The Princess of Wales shared a new video on her 44th birthday, in which she explained how much the natural world and all its beauty have become a huge part of her life.

Her laid-back choice of clothing in the short film, which was shown on Instagram, mirrored the ethos of the video. Kate donned her 'Elfie' jacket by Barbour, which was part of the Alexa Chung collaboration from 2019, and her Penelope Chilvers tasselled boots in 'Conker', which she first wore when she was at St Andrews University in 2001.

View post on Instagram
 

Also seen tucked into her neckline was a double-sided pashmina scarf that Catherine wore in March 2007, before she went on to marry Prince William.

kate middleton beret
Kate wore the scarf in 2007

This was identified by popular royal style account katemiddletonstyled, which documents where the royal's outfits are from.

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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
10h ago

Meghan Markle is in her cosy era as she wears a new, natural outfit

Meghan Markle took to Instagram on Thursday evening to show her followers that she was enjoying the slowness of January. 

View post on Instagram
 

In a carousel of pictures that featured on the Instagram account of her brand, As Ever,  Prince Harry's wife can be seen flower arranging, wearing a buttermilk-toned jumper, with her raven hair slicked back and a look of contentment on her face. She wrote in the caption: "This is your sign to put the kettle on."

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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
10h ago

Princess Caroline's first husband, Philippe Junot, has passed away

Philippe Junot, a Parisian businessman and the first husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, has died at the age of 85. He passed away peacefully in Madrid on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Taking to Instagram to confirm the sad news, his daughter, Victoria Junot, confirmed the passing and penned a moving tribute to her parent, describing him as a "legendary" father and a gentleman who lived a beautiful and adventurous life. 

View post on Instagram
 

Junot was married to Princess Caroline in 1978 before their 1980 divorce.

To read more, take a look at HELLO!'s online royal correspondent Danielle Stacey's article here.

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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
11h ago

King Charles and Queen Camilla send birthday wishes to the Princess of Wales

On Friday, 9 January, the Princess of Wales celebrated her 44th birthday. The royal shared a moving video message in celebration, penning how nature is at the forefront of her life in a detailed caption.

King Charles and Queen Camilla wished the Princess of Wales a happy birthday
King Charles and Queen Camilla wished the Princess of Wales a happy birthday

King Charles and Queen Camilla took to the Royal Family Instagram account, sharing a stunning past picture of Prince William's wife smiling at the camera. The message read:

"Wishing a Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!"

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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
11h ago

The Princess of Wales stars in a surprise video on birthday

The Princess of Wales celebrated her birthday by posting a moving new video on her Instagram account. The stunning visual showed the wife of Prince William reflecting on the importance of nature in her life and how it has helped her heal.

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Princess Kate reflects on coming 'to peace with tears' in 44th birthday video

Alongside the outdoor-led video, she penned: "The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal, creative reflection on how nature has helped me heal. But it is also a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing."

Signing off the post, she added: "There is so much we can learn from Mother Nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world. C."

For more on Kate's birthday video, check out online royal correspondent Danielle Stacey's article here

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Fashion and Beauty News Editor
15h ago

Good morning!

It's a very special day today as the Princess of Wales celebrates her 44th birthday.

While Kate is expected to mark her day privately, we'll be bringing you all of the well-wishes and tributes as they come in.

Stay tuned!

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