Tom Walker discusses performing with Kate Middleton

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The Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday, on January 9, is set to be a downscaled event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Traditionally on royal birthdays, the bells of Westminster Abbey ring as a unique way to mark the special day.

However, the bells of Westminster Abbey haven’t rung for a royal birthday since April 2020 due to a need to cut costs amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A spokesperson from Westminster Abbey told Australian outlet 9honey that the decision was taken into consideration with Buckingham Palace.

They 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.”

However, this also means the bells will no longer be heard on the birthdays of a number of other senior royals.

This includes Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward the Duchess of Cornwall and Kate’s husband William.

According to reports, the Duchess is unlikely to hold a big celebration this weekend.

Historically she hasn’t been one for anything too lavish or extravagant. 

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and in particular the Omicron variant celebrations are likely to be small with “only close family and friends” likely to be invited.

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.”

In 2021, with her birthday falling in the middle of lockdown, the duchess also kept things low-key. 

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She celebrated with husband Prince William and her children George, Charlotte and Louis.

William organised a tea party for Kate at their Norfolk country home Anmer Hall.

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