Kate Middleton will miss out on Abbey bells birthday tradition

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The Duchess of Cambridge’s 40th birthday on Sunday will have one special moment missing.

Due to financial issues and the Coronavirus pandemic, the bells of Westminster Abbey will not ring out to mark her special day.

After not ringing for any royal since the pandemic began in March 2020, the Abbey has now confirmed that it will only ever ring for the Queen or the Prince of Wales.

It has previously rung for all major royals as a birthday tradition, but that appears to no longer be the case.

A spokesman for Westminster Abbey said: “The bells have also traditionally been rung to mark the birthdays of senior members of the Royal Family.

“Due to the financial challenges posted to the Abbey by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in consultation with Buckingham Palace, the bells will now ring only for the birthdays of HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales.”

Other royals who will now miss out include Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward the Duchess of Cornwall and Kate’s husband Will. It will also not ring for Kate's brother-in-law Harry or wife Meghan, either.

The 39-year-old's birthday celebrations are set to be scaled back, due to worries surrounding the infections Omicron variant of the Coronavirus.

And a source told the Mail on Sunday: “There are likely to be low-key celebrations for the Duchess.

“She didn’t want anything flashy anyway – that’s not exactly her thing – but particularly given the current climate anything is likely to be scaled down.”

Last year, she celebrated with husband, and children George, Charlotte and Louis.

Prince William arranged a tea party for her at their Norfolk country home, Anmer Hall.

Her 25th birthday caused chaos, as Clarence House released as statement asking for photographers to leave Prince William's then-girlfriend “alone” as she was celebrating her birthday at her London flat with friends, after attending the passing out parade at Sandhurst.

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  • Prince Andrew
  • Prince Charles
  • Prince William
  • Queen
  • Royal Family
  • Westminster
  • London

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