Kate Middleton has been facing a tough time after her cancer diagnosis, but she’s not going through it alone. Her children and husband are right there with her, supporting her every step of the way.
Kate and William’s relationship began back in their college days.
Like any other couple, they’ve had their fair share of ups and downs over the years.
Recalling the moment they first met through mutual friends, Kate shared, “I actually went bright red when I met you and scuttled off feeling very shy about meeting you.”
“William wasn’t around for much of the beginning, he wasn’t there during Fresher’s Week, so it did take some time for us to really get to know each other.”
In the documentary The Day Will and Kate Got Married, which aired in April 2021, it was revealed that Will and Kate started as just good friends. But one night, everything changed. During a student fashion show, Kate wore a sheer dress that caught the Prince’s eye, and that was the moment everything shifted.
As Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent Katie Nicholl explained in the documentary, “A switch had been flicked, he suddenly saw her in a different light, and I really believe that was the turning point in their relationship.”
Prince William himself shared in an interview with The Telegraph, “We were friends for over a year first and it just sort of blossomed from then on. We just spent more time with each other, had a good giggle, and realized we shared the same interests.”
Their relationship grew stronger, and soon they had the media’s full attention. Kate even made her first public appearance with the Royals, attending the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy where William was present, along with her family.
Everyone expected a royal engagement to follow, but in 2007, the couple unexpectedly broke up.
Looking back on their brief split, both Kate and William admitted it turned out to be a positive thing, giving them the chance to “find themselves.” Kate reflected, saying, “you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you’re younger,” according to The Telegraph.
The couple reunited in 2008, and by 2010, William popped the question during a trip to Kenya, using his late mother’s iconic engagement ring.
Now, after three kids and years of marriage, their bond remains stronger than ever.
Since Kate’s cancer diagnosis, William has been balancing his royal duties with being a devoted husband and father. While he’s been praised for how he’s managed everything, experts have pointed out that this has been a particularly tough time for him.
Amid all the speculation surrounding Kate’s health, she finally stepped out in public for the first time at Trooping the Colour, a historic event marking the King’s official birthday.
On the balcony, Kate and William shared a tender moment, locking eyes and exchanging smiles. The heartfelt photo quickly went viral, with thousands of fans resharing it as a symbol of the deep bond and love between the couple.
“The past few months have really tested their strong bond,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond shared with OK! Magazine. “But I think this photo shows that, even during tough times, they can still find joy. Kate seems to have intentionally picked an image that reflects their hope and positivity for the future.”
“She absolutely adores William – he’s her rock. He’s stood by her so selflessly through everything, even taking criticism from the public for not doing more or for focusing on her. She truly loves her man, and I believe their marriage is stronger than it’s ever been.”
Bond went on to praise William’s unwavering dedication to Kate, calling it a “great accolade.”
Although the future king faced some backlash for his actions after his wife’s cancer diagnosis, royal expert Jennie Bond believes it all comes down to his unwavering devotion to Kate.
“It’s a huge testament to someone when their partner, especially one with such a public role, can say, ‘I don’t care what anyone thinks, you are my priority,’” she explained. “William has been crystal clear that Kate and their children come first, and nothing will change that.”
In mid-March, a source close to William told the Sunday Times that he’s focused on shielding his kids from the media frenzy surrounding their mother’s health.
“All he wants is to protect Kate and the kids. The family just wants to escape for Easter, spend time together, just the five of them, shut out the world, and move forward.”
Talking about how William has handled the challenges he’s faced over the past few months, royal expert Ingrid Seward shared with The Mirror: “The past couple of years have been some of the toughest in Prince William’s life. He’s a sensitive person who values structure and has a strong sense of perseverance. He’s not someone who gives up easily. His falling out with Harry hurt him more than he’d probably admit, but he found it easier to distance himself rather than let the constant tension get to him.
“His life with Kate gives him the stability, love, and friendship he needs. While he doesn’t dwell on losing his mother, he knows that kind of pain never truly goes away.”
