Princess Kate has a reason to celebrate as the royal family focuses on its own engagements, seemingly overlooking Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest public outing.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Nottingham visit has gone unmentioned by the royal family, with King Charles reiterating their status as private citizens.
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out for their first-ever joint public appearance in the UK since their return.
Meanwhile, the King and Queen Camilla carried on with royal duties in Cardiff, opening the new term of the Senedd.
While other royals carried out official engagements, William and Kate took a break, with Princess Kate celebrating her nephew’s special day.
Arthur Matthews, the eldest son of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, celebrates his eighth birthday on the same day Sarah Ferguson turns 67.
Princess Kate's bond with her family
Kate is known for her close-knit family ties and shares a particularly strong bond with her younger siblings, Pippa, 43, and James, 39.
Prince William highlighted the Middletons' closeness in his 2010 engagement interview, saying: "Kate's got a very, very close family. I get on really well with them and I'm very lucky that they've been so supportive."
While the House of Windsor has faced family rifts and controversy in recent years, the Middletons have maintained a reputation for loyalty and discretion.
Like Kate, Pippa is a mother of three: Arthur, Grace and Rose.
She lives with husband James Matthews and their children at Barton Court, a Georgian mansion in Berkshire near her parents’ home.
