Kate's birthday: 34 moments to look forward to in 2016

January 5, 2016Jan 5, 2016, 5:03 PM GMT

Happy birthday Kate! As the Duchess of Cambridge turns 34 on Saturday, take a look at the 34 moments she can look forward to this year.

1. Prince George starts nursery

January is set to kick-off with a milestone for Prince George, who will start attending a nursery near his parent's Anmer Hall home in Norfolk. The two-year-old will attend the Westacre Montessori School at East Walton, near King's Lynn, several mornings a week from the end of the month.

2. Princess Charlotte's first family holiday

Kate and William typically join the Middleton family for an annual winter holiday to Mustique, and this year's getaway is set to be extra special as Princess Charlotte will be joining them for the first time. While last year's holiday served as a celebration for Carole Middleton's 60th birthday, all eyes will surely be on George and Charlotte this time around, as they enjoy their first family holiday together.

3. Kate's first Mother's Day as a mum of two

Mother's Day will be twice as precious for Kate in March, as it will be the first time she has celebrated as a mother of two. It is likely that the family will mark the day quietly at Anmer Hall, or perhaps visit the Middleton family home in Berkshire so Kate can also spend time with her mother Carole.

4. St Patrick's Day Parade

Kate has been a regular fixture at the annual St Patrick's Day parade over the past few years, and 2016 will be no exception as she once again hands out shamrocks to guardsmen at Mons Barrocks, Aldershot, where William is the colonel of the regiment. The Duchess was eight months pregnant when she attended last year's parade with William by her side, with the event serving as one of her final engagements before she went on maternity leave.

5. The Queen's 90th birthday

The Queen will celebrate her 90th birthday on 21 April, and has a number of events lined up in honour of her milestone day. With no public celebrations planned until May, it is likely that the monarch will choose to celebrate privately with close family including William, Kate and their two children.

6. 5th wedding anniversary

William and Kate will celebrate their wedding anniversary on 29 April, marking five years to the day since they tied the knot in front of an audience of millions around the world. While the royal couple marked their fourth wedding anniversary by returning to Buckingham Palace with their son Prince George for swimming lessons, it is not yet known how they will choose to celebrate in 2016.

7. Princess Charlotte's first birthday

Just days later, Kate will make some more special memories as she celebrates the first birthday of Princess Charlotte. It is expected that the family will host a party with close family members, friends and Charlotte's godparents – similar to the bash they organised for Prince George's first birthday in 2014.

8. Special milestones for Princess Charlotte

Following on from Princess Charlotte's first birthday Kate surely has some more milestones to look forward to, including her daughter's first words and first steps. After it was previously revealed Charlotte's big brother George was "quick on his feet" as soon as he began walking, William and Kate could soon be kept busy with their two energetic young children.

9. Royal tour with William in spring

Springtime will see William and Kate embark on a royal tour of India – their first official overseas tour together since their visit to New York in December 2014. The couple's itinerary is yet to be released, but it is sure to bring some more great moments such as their infamous run-in with the Kiss Cam and meeting with music royalty Beyoncé and Jay Z.

10. First time visiting India

Kate is sure to be excited about her royal tour as it marks the first time both she and William have visited India. Other royals to have visited the nation include William's father Prince Charles, who has carried out eight official tours of India, and the Queen, who last visited in 1997.

11. Supporting Prince Harry's Invictus Games

As Prince Harry prepares to stage his Invictus Games competition in Orlando, Florida for the first time in May, he will undoubtedly have the full backing of his brother and sister-in-law. While it is unlikely that the royal couple will be able to attend the games, Harry can count on their support, much like he did when William attended the opening ceremony of the inaugural event in September 2014.

12. The Queen's 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle

The Queen is set to celebrate her 90th birthday in monumental style with four nights of festivities at Windsor Castle in May. Kate and other members of the royal family will attend the event, which is set to feature 900 horses, 1500 performers and will see 25,000 members of the public join in the celebrations.

13. The Queen's Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral

A Service of Thanksgiving will be hosted at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday 10 June to celebrate Her Majesty's 90th Birthday. The service coincides with Prince Philip's 95th birthday, and will be attended by both the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

14. Celebrating Prince Philip's 95th birthday

June sees another milestone birthday for the royal family as Prince Philip turns 95. In 2015 the Duke of Edinburgh's grandchildren organised a family night out at a Kensington wine bar in honour of his birthday, so they will no doubt be planning something even more special to celebrate this summer.

15. Trooping the Colour with George and Charlotte

After Prince George made his debut at Trooping the Colour in 2015, this June could see Princess Charlotte join her family at the event for the first time. While the Princess may be considered too young to make her first appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, she could follow in her big brother's footsteps and watch the ceremony from inside the palace along with their nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.

16. The Patron's Lunch on The Mall

The Queen's 90th birthday celebrations will continue on 12 June, as the Mall is transformed for its largest ever street party. The Patron's Lunch will celebrate the Queen's patronage of over 600 charities and organisations and will be attended by 10,000 guests, including the Queen, William, Kate and other members of the royal family.

17. Princess Charlotte's first Father's Day Polo match

All eyes were on a playful Prince George as he and Kate cheered on Prince William at a charity polo match on Father's Day in 2015, and this year could present the opportunity for Princess Charlotte to join her brother at the annual event for the first time – sure to be a highlight for their proud parents.

18. Having Centre Court seats to Wimbledon

Sporty Kate is never one to miss Wimbledon. The Duchess, who counts tennis, sailing, hockey and skiing as some of her main sports, usually attends the annual south London tournament. Last year Kate had Centre Court tickets to the quarter finals, where she cheered on Britain's Andy Murray alongside her tennis aficionado husband William. Just two months after giving birth to Princess Charlotte, Kate showed off her elegant style in a red LK Bennett dress – as well as her new shorter 'do.

28. William's first-year work anniversary

On the first day of working with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, William admitted that he was "feeling the nerves". In mid-July the Prince will have completed his first year working as an air ambulance pilot with the charity, and he will no doubt be settled into his day job. William, who donates all of his salary to the organisation, will continue to balance his life-saving role with his royal duties this year, with Kate supporting him every step of the way.

19. Making waves at the America's Cup World Series

With her passion for sailing, Kate will most likely attend the America's Cup World Series in Portsmouth this summer. The Duchess has attended the event before as royal patron of the 1851 Trust – an organisation that hopes to inspire future sailors. Kate, who crewed a yacht on a round-the-world trip during her gap year, and Prince William were due to watch last year's races in July but because of poor weather, the races were postponed. They remained in high spirits though, as they still had the chance to catch up with Olympic champion Sir Ben Ainslie.

20. Prince George's third birthday

As Prince George's birthday falls during the America's Cup World Series (21 to 24 July), Kate will most likely not attend the tournament on 22 July, her son's third birthday. Instead, the doting mum will probably celebrate George's big day at home in Anmer Hall, as she has done in previous years. Royal fans may also be treated to a new set of official portraits, which are usually given out by the Duke and Duchess on milestone events.

21. Enjoy a game of tennis on their new court

Having received planning permission to build a tennis court in the grounds of their home Anmer Hall, William and Kate will no doubt be celebrating this summer. The couple are regular fixtures at Wimbledon, so it comes as no surprise that last June they filed a planning application to have the original tennis court repaired and relocated to their back garden. The application states that moving the tennis court "improves the views" from the ten-bedroom Hall.

22. Hop across the Channel to attend the Euro 2016

As the President of the Football Association, Prince William will most likely show his support for the beautiful game at this year's UEFA Euro. While the Duke and Duchess support rival teams (William is an Aston Villa fan while Kate cheers for Chelsea), the couple will most likely join forces to support England at the games. The royals could hop across the Channel to host country France, to watch the England v Wales match on 16 June. It's unlikely that they will attend England's first match on 11 June as Trooping the Colour, a celebration for the Queen's birthday, takes place then.

23. Cheering on Great Britain at the Rio Olympics

Like many royals, the Duchess and Prince William were regular attendees of the London 2012 Olympics. The couple were given VIP seats at some of the best events, where they joined the likes of Prince Albert of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain and their relatives Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie. One of the highlights included watching Sir Chris Hoy win gold in the Men's Team Sprint Track Cycling final. This year the games will take place in Rio and sporty Kate may choose to fly to Brazil with her family. Could it be another big holiday for jet-setting Prince George and Princess Charlotte?

24. Raising awareness for World Mental Health Day

Monday 10 October marks World Mental Health Day. Kate has long been championing the issue of mental health in children and young people through her charities, and for Children's Mental Health Week last year, the Duchess recorded a special video. "Both William and I sincerely believe that early action can prevent problems in childhood from turning into larger ones later in life," she said. Kate added that more help and support needs to be given to children who have problems, and the social stigma around mental health be lifted. It wouldn't come as a surprise if Kate released another video or statement reaffirming her beliefs.

25. An inspirational night with some of the brightest women

As patron of the 100 Women in Hedge Funds' Philanthropic Initiatives, Kate attends the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala Dinner every year. Last October, she wore a pretty floral silk Erdem dress and extra special jewels for the charity evening – the late Queen Mother's diamond and sapphire fringe earrings. Funds raised went to The Art Room, a children's charity that Kate supports. Each year the non-profit organisation chooses a charity to support, so Kate will no doubt be pleased if one of her charities is again selected.

26. Honouring the fallen

Last year William and Kate attended the Festival of Remembrance for the very first time – another sign that they are taking up more and more royal duties. It's likely that the Duke and Duchess will attend again this year in November. The evening honours those that have served in the British military, and also those left behind such as war widows. Last year William and Kate joined the Queen and other senior royals in the Royal Box. They listened to veterans' stories as well as performances from singers Pixie Lott, Andrea Bocelli and Rod Stewart. On Remembrance Sunday, Kate and other senior royals attend the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.

27. Another big tour in the autumn

Apart from their big trip to India in spring, it's likely that the royal couple will embark on another tour later on in the year, perhaps in autumn. William and Kate's last joint tour was to New York in December 2014, when Kate was pregnant with Princess Charlotte. The following year was spent looking after their growing family but with George and Charlotte now a little older, the couple may take the opportunity to go abroad again. Kate may even undertake her first solo tour as she was due to in the autumn of 2014. The Duchess, who was at the start of her pregnancy, was too ill to go to Malta and William had to go alone in her place.

29. A fun day out at ICAP

It was during the ICAP Charity Day last December that William had a group of brokers in hysterics when he told his wife Kate to "stop flirting". The couple were taking part in the annual City event that raises funds for different charities, including ones that William and Kate support. The Duke and Duchess turned brokers for the day and were tasked with sealing business deals over the phone – something they have done various times in the past, alongside other royals including Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice. The day is always one of the more colourful engagements that William and Kate undertake, and last year involved the couple being greeted by City employees in fancy dress, including men in stilettos.

30. Kate's first year as Honorary Air Commandant

Back in 2010 it was announced that Prince Philip, who turns 95 in June, will stand down from a number of patronages with which he has been directly associated. Last December, after 63 years with the RAF Air Cadets, the Prince handed over his patronage to his granddaughter-in-law Kate. It was the Duchess' first role with an official link to the military and to celebrate, she may carry out her first engagement with the RAF Air Cadets this year.

32. Gracing the red carpet at a big premiere

It's not often that royals grace the red carpet, but usually at least once a year Kate steps out to attend a big blockbuster. Last year the Duchess dazzled at the premiere of Spectre, the much-awaited James Bond movie, and in 2013 she watched Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Sadly it was the same day that Nelson Mandela's death was announced. When her personal assistant broke the news, Kate looked visibly moved and teary-eyed. Before leaving the cinema, William, alongside Kate, spoke to reporters, saying it was "sad and tragic" that the former leader had died.

28. Kate's show-stopping appearances in bespoke gowns and tiaras

She is one of the most photographed women in the world so it's no wonder that designers scramble to dress Kate. The stylish Duchess is often seen out and about in Emilia Wickstead, Alexander McQueen, Erdem and LK Bennett, but her go-to designer is Jenny Packham. Kate favours the British label above all and often has bespoke Jenny Packham gowns especially made for her. In the space of one week last year she wore two dresses by the designer – a pale blue gown with a daring back for the Spectre premiere, and a striking red number for her first ever state banquet. It was at the banquet, held in honour of the Chinese president, that Kate also wore a glittering diamond tiara. Let's hope 2016 brings another occasion for the Duchess to don a tiara.

33. Kate to add to her list of patronages

Ever since becoming a member of the royal family, Kate has supported organisations that reflect her personal charitable and philanthropic interests. She does this though her own charity, The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, and by supporting other charities as their royal patron. She has 12 patronages so far, many of which focus on children, young people and sports, but it's likely that she will add to her philanthropic base this year.

34. Prince George might attend his first Christmas Day service

After William revealed that his two-year-old son George would be "bouncing around like a rabbit" ahead of Christmas, it was probably best that the cherubic youngster didn't attend the Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church. Instead, George stayed at home with his baby sister Charlotte and their Spanish nanny Maria. Royal watchers will be hoping that this Christmas Santa gives them a special gift – a surprise appearance from little George alongside his mum Kate.

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