Rihanna has paid tribute to her mother to wish her a happy birthday, and revealed that ‘being on the verge of motherhood’ herself has ‘unlocked new levels of love and respect’.

The 34-year-old singer, who is currently expecting her first child with 33-year-old rapper A$AP Rocky, shared an adorable throwback photo of herself as child with her mum Monica Braithwaite in church, both wearing white dresses and matching headwear.

Describing her mum as a ‘Queen’ and ‘the true MVP’ (that’s most valuable player, of course), Rihanna wrote in a gorgeous Instagram post: ‘Today is my Queen’s birthday!!!

‘Being on the verge of motherhood, unlocked new levels of love and respect I have for my mommy in a way that I could never explain!

‘She’s the true MVP and I wanna give her her flowers every second I can! Love you mumzzzz!!! Happy Birthday! We gon celebrate on da link up!’

Fans and friends inundated Rihanna with warm wishes, with one commenting: ‘Happy birthday to your mommy. Excited for you to join the mom club!!’

Another added: ‘Awww happy birthday to your mama!! Today is my mamas birthday too!! Special day for 2 special ladies!’

Rihanna has lots to celebrate this week after it was reported that she’s made her debut on the 2022 Forbes billionaires list thanks to her Fenty Beauty make-up line.

The star is valued by Forbes at $1.7billion (£1.4billion) thanks to the success of her cosmetic brand Fenty Beauty. The company, which she co-owns with French luxury retailer LVMH, generated more than $550million (£420million) in revenue in 2020.

Rihanna confirmed her pregnancy earlier this year with a now-iconic photoshoot in Harlem with boyfriend A$AP Rocky. She unveiled her growing bump while on a walk with the Praise the Lord rapper, and has continued to show off her cool maternity style ever since.

Most recently, she looked incredible in a bright pink mini-dress with a mint green feather trim for dinner at Giorgio Bialdi as she went out in LA.

Rihanna is now in her third trimester, meaning she is due to give birth very soon.

Speaking to Elle Magazine about her pregnancy journey so far, the Grammy winner opened up about the changes in her body.

When about her glow, she told the publication: ‘There’s a pregnancy glow. There’s also those days, girl. Especially in the third trimester where you wake up and you’re like, oh, do I have to get dressed?

‘The face gets a little round and chubby. The nose starts to spread. Everything is a challenge, from getting dressed and how you’re going to do your makeup. But I like challenges.’