Kate Ferdinand celebrates Tia’s 15th birthday with sweet tribute after returning to war-torn Dubai and says it’s ‘the biggest privilege to be your step-mum’

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Kate Ferdinand celebrated her step-daughter Tia’s 15th birthday with a heartfelt message, sharing the post after returning from Dubai, which is currently experiencing conflict.

Okay, so like, I was completely losing it when I saw this! My absolute fave, this amazing TV personality, posted the sweetest thing about this teen – seriously, it was a total lovefest! She went ALL OUT on social media, just gushing and gushing about them. I’m obsessed, obviously!

Kate, who married retired soccer player Rio Ferdinand in 2019, posted a photo of her stepdaughter, Tia, enjoying the view of Dubai’s impressive skyline.

Even though the camera was facing away from her, Tia was clearly smiling as she held a bouquet of flowers and pink and white balloons.

Kate shared that being a stepmother to them is the greatest honor, and she loves them deeply – more than she can possibly express.

‘My special special girl. Me and you forever’. 

Kate shared a photo of a healthy breakfast she enjoyed with Tia, showing off the delicious spread they had.

Tia’s mother Rebecca Ellison tragically passed away from breast cancer aged 34 in 2015.

Kate is also step-mum to Lorenz, 19, and 17-year-old Tate.

She and Rio share two-year-old Shae and Cree, five. 

The couple relocated to the Middle East with Tia as well as their own two children. 

Kate recently revealed that she and her daughter, Tia, sometimes disagree, and she worries about making mistakes as a stepparent.

She explained on her podcast that having young children is demanding and takes up a lot of time, so it’s important to still make dedicated time for older children.

It’s normal for children to go through difficult periods. It’s perfectly okay if you and your child clash for a week or two – it happens!

She explained that, similar to her relationship with Tia, they sometimes go through periods of about three or four days where they clash and can’t figure out what’s causing the tension.

It’s like we go through cycles – feeling okay for a while, then not. It’s similar to how emotions fluctuate, maybe even with the monthly cycle, and there’s always a lot happening underneath the surface.

Rio and Kate left Dubai last month when frightening Iranian drone attacks started in the UAE, and they had to hide in their basement for safety.

They started their break with a trip to their Portuguese holiday home. After returning to London for work and family obligations, they finished with a relaxing vacation in the Maldives.

In a post to fans on social media at the time, Kate branded the move a ‘nervous system reset’.

She posted several recent photos from her vacation, including one of herself in a bright yellow bikini that highlighted her fit physique.

Kate looked amazing in a bikini while relaxing on the beach, showing off her fit body in a recent photo.

Kate posted cute photos of her children enjoying themselves playing in the water and playing football, just like their dad.

Kate and Rio also posed for a loved-up snap together on the beach as the sun set behind them.

Moving is always a bit of an adjustment, and I’ve definitely been feeling that lately! While I’m embracing this new chapter and enjoying the experience, I have to admit I’m really missing the UK and everything familiar about home. It’s a sweet and sour feeling, but totally normal, I think!

I’m feeling really down about being away from my older sons. It’s hard adjusting to them pursuing their football careers while I’m focused on what’s best for my younger children. We’re settled and happy as a family where we are, but I still miss the older boys a lot.

It seems they’ve chosen a different path, and that’s their decision. It’s just difficult for us because we’ve always been a close-knit family and relied on each other, so this change is a big adjustment for everyone.

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2026-04-16 11:49