In contrast with some of her peers, Beyonce has never been one for spilling out of nightclubs in the early hours. Now she's a mother, the songstress is even less likely to be seen living the high life. So her 31st birthday on September 4 was a fairly sedate affair involving an intimate party during a Mediterranean cruise, complete with balloons and streamers.
B seems to love coming to Europe, with attentive husband Jay-Z whisking her off to St Tropez or Croatia nearly every year for a birthday treat. This week the king of rap was seen showing their little girl Blue Ivy the decorations in preparations for mummy's big day. Once their seven-month-old baby was tucked up in bed, the bootylicious diva sipped a glass of white wine as she chatted to her man, seemingly as in love as ever. Despite the low-key nature of her celebrations, the singer's friends and family didn't forget. Her close pals Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin sent her a handwritten card, which was shown on the diva's website. Touchingly, the actress' children had signed their own names and Gwyneth herself had written: "For dear sweet BB on the occasion of her 31st birthday. We love you so very much"
Her mother Tina Knowles wrote: "God blessed me with one of the greatest gifts in my life on Sept. 4, 1981. Happy birthday." Meanwhile, the singer's little sister Solange said she was proud to be related to her and praised her "beautiful generosity". In the most glowing birthday message, Jay-Z's mum Gloria Carter also paid tribute to her famous daughter-in-law. She wrote: "B, You came into my life a sweet Southern girl. (LOL) You've blossomed into an amazing woman. I admire how you remain grounded and humble, and you haven't let success change the person that you are. Mama Carter."
