Prince William and Kate Middleton’s love story spans decades, and it’s still going strong.
“When you see them on engagements, they’re obviously still very into each other,” said Roya Nikkhah. “One’s always looking out for the other. Recently, when they were in Southport together, you could see that… she was a bit more vulnerable. I think they’ve got each other’s backs.”
“I think when you have that weight of public scrutiny on you, it’s very hard to keep a little bit of your private life private because you are so publicly scrutinized,” Nikkhah explained. “But if you look at the video they put out when [Kate] announced she’d finished chemotherapy, we never get to see them like that.”
“When you see them on engagements, they’re obviously still very into each other. One’s always looking out for the other. Recently, when they were in Southport together, you could see that… she was a bit more vulnerable. I think they’ve got each other’s backs.”
“A lot of people were quite surprised to see how open they were in terms of letting the cameras film them as they were, as they would like us to see them, which was hugging a lot, kissing, and being extremely close physically on a blanket,” she added.
“He postponed beginning full-time royal duties for as long as he could for this purpose,” said Fitzwilliams. “William and Catherine… have always indicated their private closeness and harmony, which they project publicly so well, as does their competitive spirit, especially when they relax during royal tours that involve competitive sports.”
“As the future king and queen, they have a loving family who are the center of their lives,” he shared. “The recent video when Catherine told us she was clear of cancer showed intimate moments between them. The royal family is not known for public displays of affection, but their body language spoke volumes. Catherine’s illness, with William spending so much time with her, will, if that is possible, draw them even closer.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales met as students at St. Andrews University in 2001, a time when young hearts often swirl with unspoken promises. They married in 2011 and now share three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
This past year, however, has not been without its storms for the royal family. In January, King Charles III publicly revealed he would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate. Shortly thereafter, Kate disclosed her need for abdominal surgery.
February brought a heavier cloud when Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Just weeks later, Kate joined him in solemnity, announcing her own cancer diagnosis, which helped quell rampant speculation surrounding her health that had erupted on social media.
In the aftermath of Kate’s announcement, William displayed an admirable depth of character, taking time off to support his beloved wife.
In September, Kate joyfully revealed her cancer-free status, an announcement that struck a chord of relief for many. Surrounded by her husband and their beloved children, she spoke candidly about the challenges of the past nine months, saying “This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
“They strive to keep the majority of their personal tactile life private,” said the insightful observer, Chard. “In their earlier years, they enjoyed nightlife in certain clubs, yet they have channeled their energies into outdoor sports and activities together.”
“The Prince and Princess of Wales are best friends, each other’s support blanket and cheerleader,” Chard explained. “Laughter, enjoying the small things in life together, is their medicine. Princess Catherine’s unexpectedly frightening illness has deepened their bond, reminding them that life is wonderfully fragile. They love and appreciate one another more than ever.”
On November 7, during a visit to Cape Town, William candidly admitted that 2024 had been “brutal,” marking the hardest year of his life. Reflecting on his royal responsibilities after the death of his beloved grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, he candidly expressed the weight they felt.
“Trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult,” the 42-year-old disclosed to People magazine. “But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling things as they have. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been… brutal.”
William also expressed optimism, noting Kate is “doing well.” He humorously remarked that reports of his relaxed demeanor were misleading, saying, “I couldn’t be less relaxed this year.”
“But it’s just a case of keeping going,” he added. “I enjoy my work, and I enjoy pacing myself, making sure I have time for family, too.”
“A picture tells a thousand words; their affectionate displays often evoke memories of those sweet young days when their love first blossomed,” observed Fordwich. Their early friendship blossomed through late-night study sessions and playful banter at St. Andrews, where William would train in the hotel pool while Kate often swam at dawn.
It was during those early mornings, when most students were still dreaming, that they discovered a mutual ethic of health and wellness. Their self-discipline fostered an early understanding of each other, a seed that eventually sprouted into the lush garden of their relationship.
Fordwich further remarked on their openness today. “Their displays of affection signify their confidence, letting the world in when they see fit. Their bond, cultivated in the formative years, has deepened significantly.”
