Getty Composite

KATE MIDDLETON HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Hubby!!! Tribute To Will for Big 4-2

Kate Middleton is shifting the spotlight off her health issues and onto her hubby Prince William -- who turned 42 today ... and who got a helluva shout-out from KM.

The Princess of Wales marked the special occasion by dropping a photo on X Friday, showing Wills and the kids -- Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis -- rocking casual gear and jumping for joy at a beach.

Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx pic.twitter.com/NROqRbt4rs

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 21, 2024

She captioned her post with this ... "Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx." From the looks of it, Kate might've snapped this at UK's Norfolk Beach ... where Wills and the kids were rocking the same outfits in a similar shot for Father's Day just a few days ago.

Kate, ever the aspiring photographer, snapped both pics, which is why she’s missing from both of them.

It's certainly some light-hearted fun for the royal family ... who’ve been in a rough patch lately with Kate’s cancer battle -- announced in March via an emotional video. Of course, King Charles is also fighting cancer.

X / @KensingtonRoyal

Still, it seems things are looking up. Last Saturday, Kate made her grand return to the public eye at London's Trooping the Colour Ceremony. Even Charles swung by to soak in the pageantry ... so it was a good sign the royals are doing relatively well amid hardship.

In fact, sources with direct knowledge recently told TMZ Kate's treatments have gone well over the last 3 months, paving the way for her recent outing.

I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.

I am making good progress, but as anyone going… pic.twitter.com/J1jTlgwRU8

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 14, 2024

Kate also dropped an update saying she's making strides -- but her treatments will continue for several more months, so she's not out of the woods just yet ... but coming along.

Click here for info about our online advertising practices.