Princess Kate, who turned 42 earlier this year, was previously part of a special royal tradition that was amended when Westminster Abbey had to make changes due to “financial challenges”

Kate Middleton's birthday was previously honoured by the ringing of the bells at Westminster Abbey

Kate Middleton’s birthday was previously honoured by the ringing of the bells at Westminster Abbey (
Image: PA)

Princess Kate was for years honoured with a special birthday tradition – the ringing of the bells at Westminster Abbey.

Kate was one of just four senior members of the royal family who received the privilege on their birthdays following Queen Elizabeth’s death. Howver, the tradition stopped abruptly in 2021 when Westminster Abbey was faced with “financial challenges” following the Covid pandemic.

And so Kate missed out on the chimes when the mum of three turned 40 in 2022, and her two birthdays since. Now, only King Charles and Queen Camilla receive the tradition, and they turn 76 in November and 77 in July respectively.

Discussing the call to have the bells no longer ring for more members of the family, a spokesperson for Westminster Abbey said to HELLO! at the time: “The Abbey bells can be heard ringing out before services and in celebration of church festivals.

“The bells have also traditionally been rung to mark the birthdays of senior members of the Royal Family. Due to the financial challenges posed to the Abbey by the Covid-19 pandemic, and in consultation with Buckingham Palace, the bells will now ring only for the birthdays of HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales.” This was when Queen Elizabeth II was alive, though now it is understood Camilla has the privilege.

King Charles III
King Charles III still receives the special birthday privilege ( 
Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)


Due to the global pandemic, Westminster Abbey suspended all bell ringing on April 2020, with the exception of the death of Prince Phillip, which saw the bell ring 99 times in celebration of each year of his life.

Three new portraits were released of Princess Kate when she turned 40. In one, she wore an off-the-shoulder number, which was one of three dresses she wore for photos to mark the occasion, all by fashion house Alexander McQueen, which made her 2011 bridal gown.

In two shots, Kate teams flowing white frocks with earrings owned by Princess Diana. The gems she wears with her scarlet gown were borrowed from the Queen.