August M
Away from royal crowds and public fanfare, the Princess of Wales marked her birthday in a way few noticed at the time. Only later did details emerge of a simple celebration that contrasted sharply with her global profile.
The outing has since drawn attention for its discretion rather than extravagance.
A quiet lunch
According to The Express, Princess Catherine celebrated her 44th birthday with her mother, Carole Middleton, and her sister, Pippa Matthews. The trio reportedly dined together at a small French bistro, The Funghi Club, in Hungerford, Berkshire.
The visit remained largely unnoticed until the restaurant itself alluded to a “rather extraordinary guest” on social media. The post stressed that no photographs were shared out of respect for privacy.
“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,” the restaurant wrote.
Local reaction
The Funghi Club described the visit as memorable for staff and locals alike. “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 added.
Menu items at the restaurant include dishes such as Filet D’Aiglefin, a smoked haddock priced at £18.50, and Ragout de Champignons at £16.50, alongside crepes, quiches and sandwiches.
A spokesperson later confirmed the visit, repeating that the guest had been “utterly charming, gracious and every bit as radiant in person as you’d imagine”.
Royal confirmation
Royal commentator Richard Eden confirmed the details in the Daily Mail, identifying the mystery diner as the Princess of Wales.
“When Harry and Meghan dine out in California, the whole world seems to know about it. The Princess of Wales, by contrast, was able to celebrate her birthday in peace,” Eden wrote.
“‘I hear that when Catherine turned 44 last Friday, the future queen enjoyed lunch with her mother, Carole Middleton, and sister Pippa at a tiny French restaurant, The Funghi Club, in Hungerford, Berks,’ reports the Express.”
Public and private
The low-key lunch came on the same day Catherine marked her birthday publicly. She shared the final instalment of her Mother Nature video series on Instagram, continuing a project that has focused on the natural world.
The contrast between a quiet family meal and a carefully curated public message underscored the balance the princess maintains between private life and royal duty.
Sources: The Express, Daily Mail
