'WILLIAM WILL SPOIL KATE ON HER BIRTHDAY'

With a new year upon us, no one will be more thankful for a fresh start and some birthday surprises than the Princess of Wales

- REBECCA RUSSELL 

He might not be known for his wildly romantic gestures, but the Prince of Wales is determined to pull out all the stops for his wife's birthday next week, following a challenging few weeks.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says William wants Kate's 42nd birthday on Tuesday, 9 January, to feel extra special to make up for the recent pressure she's been under.

"William will spoil her rotten this year, because it's been a really tough time for her," Jennie tells OK!, explaining that William feels guilty over the fall-out from the publication of Omid Scobie's book Endgame.

Not only were the Princess of Wales and King Charles named in a Dutch edition of the book as the senior royals who allegedly speculated over the skin colour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's son Archie, but Omid also challenged Kate's work ethic and claimed that she can be "cold".

"William feels guilty and angry because he promised Kate's parents that he would protect and look after her," says Jennie. "The attacks from Omid Scobie were vicious, so William will feel guilty because all she's done is fall in love with someone who happened to be a future king. There's obviously a lot of baggage that comes with this - it's a unique and different life which you've got to have a very thick skin for."

 As a result, William will put serious consideration into this year's celebrations, says Jennie, adding, "He's probably got a little bit of romance in him somewhere, and even though he says he's not a very good cook, Kate did tell Mary Berry that he's quite good at breakfasts, so a special tray complete with a rose could arrive early for Kate.

"I imagine they will spend some quality time with their children, as it's the last day of their Christmas holiday before they return to school, but perhaps a candle-lit champagne dinner will be on the cards."