They have been married 13 years and together for more than 20, and while all families have their ups and downs, 2024 may well have been the most testing yet for William and Kate after the Princess of Wales revealed her cancer diagnosis.
The pair tied the knot 13 years ago at Westminster Abbey in a beautiful, breathtaking ceremony that was watched by an estimated 163million viewers worldwide.
The pair exchanged their loving vows in a wholesome ceremony in front of their 2,000 guests, including David Beckham and Sir Elton John.
William, 41, and Kate, 42, repeated after the Archbishop, declaring that they would take each other as husband and wife ‘in sickness and in health.’
And the future King has been nothing but supportive to his wife, as she continues treatment for her cancer, which was found after she went for abdominal surgery in January.
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Kate and William tied the knot 13 years ago in 2011 at Westminster Abbey in a beautiful, breathtaking ceremony. Above: The couple kissing on Buckingham Palace’s balcony
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The Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in June 2023
In Kate’s emotional video where she revealed that she was undergoing treatment for cancer to the nation at the end of March, the Princess also gave an insight into her relationship with her husband.
She said the diagnosis came as a ‘huge shock’ to both her and William, adding that they were doing ‘all they can’ to process it both as a couple but also as a ‘young family.’
‘It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and reassure them that I’m going to be okay,’ Kate said.
‘Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance, as is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you – it means so much to us both.’
The Prince of Wales played an important part in his wife’s decision to reveal her diagnosis to the world and while he wishes she did not have to do it, he knew it was her choice and he supported her.
‘It was her decision, it wasn’t begrudged and he fully supported it,’ a close friend of Prince William’s told The Sunday Times.
Others have said that William is not only was he proud of his wife’s courage in revealing her cancer diagnosis, but that he is in awe of how she has coped since she first had her abdominal surgery in January.
The royal is said to be ‘extremely proud of his wife for the courage and strength she has shown not just this week, but since her surgery in January,’ according to a source who spoke to The Telegraph.
‘I have cancer’: Emotional Kate delivers a brave message of hope
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Around 163million people tuned in to watch Kate and William marry each other in 2011
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The Princess of Wales reveals she is undergoing cancer treatment at the end of March
The couple often do things together as a family with their three young children – with the Prince often doing the school run.
William is also known to be an affectionate father who often cuddles and kisses his children, and speaks fondly of them at public engagements.
He has previously taken George to day four of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, London and was praised for attending the Commonwealth Games with his daughter, Princess Charlotte.
Described as a ‘hands on’ father, William is regularly seen dropping off and picking up his children at Lambrook School in Berkshire.
‘He is a regular at the school gate and events and he’s very hands-on as a dad, so being in charge while Kate is away won’t faze him,’ a source told Hello.
‘They often do things as a full family unit and he’s very confident looking after the kids.’
The future monarch’s commitment to his wife and children was echoed when he announced that he was pausing official royal duties to support his family.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales are snapped walking hand-in-hand during a reception in the Bahamas in 2022
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The family-of-five are pictured attending the annual Sandringham Christmas service last year
The Wales household did not attend the annual Easter service this year alongside other senior working royals such as King Charles and Queen Camilla. The couple went with George, Charlotte and Louis for the first time last year.
But they were instead thought to have spent some quality family time with their children during the break at their country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
The family-of-five is known for revelling in ‘outdoorsy’ activities such as cycling and walking, with Kate previously admitting that she ‘genuinely’ loves ‘all sports.’
Kate’s uncle, Gary Goldsmith, also revealed a ‘tell tale’ sign that Kate and William were ‘genuinely compatible’ and soulmates.
In an interview with GB News in 2022, Gary said: ‘They are very comfortable with each other and they tease each other, which I think is a great tell-tale that people get on – when they can have fun at each other’s expense.
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William has been described by palace insiders as a ‘hands on’ father, often doing the school run. Above: The family snapped at Prince Louis’ christening
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The royal couple met as students at St. Andrews University in Scotland, where they initially started out as pals. Above: Pictured in 2010, a year before their wedding
‘It’s done in a very tongue in cheek, very loving way. Touchy feely. It’s a very natural relationship.’
He also added that their ‘love story’ was born out of ‘friendship first’, something William has previously said he believed was an important factor in their future together.
The royal couple met as students at St. Andrews University in Scotland, where they initially started out as pals.
Kate caught the young Prince’s eye at a charity fashion show in the Spring of their first year at university.
Prince William, who paid £200 for a table close to the catwalk, is said to have been open-mouthed when he saw his future wife in a sheer dress, which later sold for £78,000.
