Kate Middleton shares under-radar Mother’s Day message after break in tradition

The Princess of Wales broke her recent tradition of marking Mother’s Day on her official social media accounts – but it seems she still did quietly mark the day with a post

The Princess of Wales appeared to break recent tradition by not sharing a Mother’s Day message. Unlike previous years, Kate did not take to the official Prince and Princess of Wales social media accounts to post a picture or message.

Instead, husband Prince William used the day to remember and honour his late mother, Princess Diana, by sharing a never-before-seen snap of him as a toddler with the former Princess of Wales. But it seems Kate did still mark Mothering Sunday in the UK – but with a message put out by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which highlights the importance of a child’s early years.

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Alongside a sweet animation, the message read: “Today we celebrate every mother, carer and caregiver whose steady love gives children the foundations to thrive. Here’s to all who nurture and guide with the quiet acts that shape the next generation. Happy Mother’s Day.”

It comes after Mother’s Day last year, when Kate highlighted why it is important to “nurture our inner selves”, as she shared an empowering video on the Prince and Princess of Wales social accounts.

In the heartfelt clip, the mum-of-three revealed that nature has been their “sanctuary”, with footage showing an array of beautiful landscapes including woodlands, fields and beaches.

Kate encouraged others to explore the great outdoors and said: “Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary. This Mother’s Day, let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognise how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life. C”

In 2024, Kensington Palace was plunged into chaos after its Mother’s Day post caused a stir around the world, with Kate issuing an apology for editing a public apology for editing a family photograph.

Kate admitted to making several changes to a picture, released to celebrate Mother’s Day, showing her embracing her three children at their Windsor home. The future queen said sorry for the “confusion” over the digitally altered image, which caused the world’s biggest photo agencies to delete it from their libraries accessed by millions.

It was only a few days later that the world learnt Kate had been grappling with her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment in an emotional video, as she announced she would be temporarily stepping back from royal duties.

With William taking a turn to mark Mother’s Day yesterday, he posted a snap showing him as a two-year-old with his mum in a field of flowers at Highgrove, Gloucestershire, in 1984.

William’s signed message said: “Remembering my mother, today and every day. Thinking of all those who are remembering someone they love today. Happy Mother’s Day. W”

Diana, who died aged 36 following a road accident in Paris on August 31 1997, would have turned 65 on July 1 this year. The royal family also posted a selection of photos on social media to mark Mother’s Day.

They included a photo of the King and his sister Anne, now the Princess Royal, at Balmoral, Scotland, in 1953 with their mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. The family are seated on a garden bench with the Queen’s corgi, Sue, in the background.

The photograph was taken before the births of Charles’ younger brothers, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Edward, now the Duke of Edinburgh. Other photos were shared of the late Queen with her mother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and of Camilla with her late mother, Rosalind Shand.

The images were accompanied by the message: “Wishing Mothers everywhere, and those who might be missing their Mums today, a restful Mothering Sunday.”