The Princess of Wales celebrated the milestone with her family at intimate lunch outing

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales pays a visit to Charing Cross Hospital

Princess Kate on her public outing to Charing Cross Hospital in London on Jan. 8, 2026.Credit : Isabel Infantes / POOL / AFP via Getty

Kate Middleton enjoyed an intimate lunch outing with her sister and mother on her birthday.

The Princess of Wales headed out to a small French bistro with her mom, Carole Middleton, 70, and sister Pippa Matthews, 42, on Friday, Jan. 9.

Their lunch date was at The Funghi Club, in Hungerford, Berkshire, about 17 miles from the village of Bucklebury, where Kate grew up, and Carole still lives. Teasing followers on their Facebook page, the restaurant said that they had a special visitor last Friday.

“Well — none other than the Princess of Wales herself, Berkshire’s very own Kate Middleton, celebrating her 44th birthday, joined by her mother Carole and sister Pippa. Right here in Hungerford. No photos to share (you’ll understand why), but the entire team on duty reported the same thing: she was utterly charming, gracious and every bit as radiant in person as you’d imagine.”

Catherine Middleton (R) is seen arriving with her mother Carole Middleton (M) and sister Pippa Middleton

Kate Middleton, Pippa Middleton and Carole Middleton on the day ahead of the Princess’ wedding to Prince William in April 2011.George Pimentel/Getty

“The jungle drums of Hungerford didn’t stop beating until well into Saturday. A little moment of magic for our small bistro — and one we won’t forget in a hurry.”

The post ended with a “Happy birthday” message.

The restaurant, which started life as a stall selling mushrooms, serves French classics such as onion soup, boeuf bourguignon, cassoulet and chicken chasseur.

On her birthday, Kate released the last of her Mother Nature videos on social media, using the platform to promote her message of being outside among wildlife and open spaces as a key to her wellbeing and recovery from her cancer treatment.

She said in the video, “I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am. For the rivers within us flow with ease. Fears washed away, cleanse and purify. Come to peace with our tears, and discover what it means to be alive.”

“To be at one with nature. A quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory, helping us to heal.”

It’s not known how Kate celebrated with her husband, Prince William, 43, and their three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — but that most likely happened when the children finished school for the day.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales meet healthcare staff during a visit to Charing Cross Hospital on January 8, 2026 in London, England.

Prince William and Princess Kate during their visit to Charing Cross Hospital in London on Jan. 8, 2026.Isabel Infantes – WPA Pool/Getty

On Jan. 8, a day ahead of her birthday, Kate joined Prince William to surprise health workers at London’s Charing Cross Hospital, speaking with staff and volunteers about the pressures they face during the winter virus season.

The Funghi Club in Hungerford

The Funghi Club in Hungerford, Berkshire, England.Google Maps

Kate is due to attend her first solo official outing on Jan. 15 when she hosts the England women’s rugby team at Windsor Castle.