The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives and transformed them into something completely different – the aptly named iso-birthday is certainly one of them.
Yes, throughout the duration of 2020, and now into 2021, isolation in all its various forms continues to be part of our new normal.
Of course, isolation has no exemptions, even for birthdays, which is why the phenomenon of iso-birthdays are now well and truly a ‘thing’.
And of all people, Duchess Catherine is the latest person to experience the feat.
On Saturday, the Duchess of Cambridge turned 39 years old – a day usually marked with a new, never-before-seen picture for the public, and celebrations with her family in private.
But this year, things were a little different.
According to a report from Vanity Fair, Kate celebrated the day without her wider family present.
Indeed, the royal would no doubt have liked to spend some time with her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton on her special day, but given the current stage five restrictions and a strict lockdown across the UK, there was none of that this year.
Kate celebrated her 39th birthday quietly at Anmer Hall this year.
(Kensington Palace)Alternatively, the Duchess likely spent the day at her quiet country abode Anmer Hall in Norfolk with husband Prince William and their three young children, Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, six and Prince Louis, two.
According to the publication, presents and fan mail was re-directed to Anmer Hall for Kate to enjoy.
On top of that, William reportedly had a series of surprises lined up for his wife on her special day, family video calls being one of them.
Prince William reportedly lined up some special family video calls for Kate to enjoy.
(Getty)Usually, we also see a new picture of the Duchess to mark her birthday, but slightly unusually this year, Kensington Palace instead posted a picture snapped of a masked-up Kate when she was on her train tour of the UK shortly before Christmas last year.
“Thank you for your kind wishes on The Duchess’ birthday,” the caption read.
“Birthdays have been very different in recent months, and our thoughts continue to be with all those working on the front line at this hugely challenging time.”
The Queen’s official royal Instagram account also shared a sweet birthday tribute to the duchess, writing: “Wishing The Duchess of Cambridge a very happy birthday today!”
Two images, one of Kate at an engagement in 2020, and another where she joined the Queen at the Chelsea Garden Show in 2019, accompanied the post.
So while Duchess Catherine was unable to celebrate as usual this year, there’s no doubt she still enjoyed a special day with her immediate family, and felt all the love from afar from those she couldn’t be with.
A very Happy Birthday to Kate, from us – here’s hoping next year looks a little different again.
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