Kate Middleton and Prince William are now stronger than ever.
From 2020 to 2025, the couple has been faced with a slew of challenges that have threatened to rock the foundation of the monarchy.
Recent years have seen the deaths of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II take place, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from royal life.
Their shock exit — and subsequent move to the US — was closely followed by a string of vicious, tell-all projects, causing further hurt to members of the Firm and resulting in total estrangement.
But arguably, 2024 brought the toughest challenge to the current monarchy so far, as both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales, 43, were diagnosed with cancer.
“There is a sense of protectiveness and partnership,” royal historian Amanda Foreman told People.
“The last five years have been a nightmare for them in every possible way — the past year even more so. That either crushes a marriage, or it brings them together.”
“And just in time, frankly — if there was ever a time when the country required stability, this is it,” Foreman added. “The international stage is so unstable, it is rather extraordinary to see how both have risen to the occasion.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ former royal aide previously told “60 Minutes Australia” that William was at his “lowest” after his father and wife received their respective diagnoses within weeks of each other.
“If you’re Prince William, you find out that both your wife and your father have cancer,” the duo’s former private secretary Jason Knauf said.
While Princess Catherine’s cancer is now in remission, she is still going to ease into the year by taking on a fraction of the workload she would typically have on her calendar.
Currently, the princess’ diary does not include any full-scale foreign tours, and it will be a while before she returns to the royal fold in full — given that her cancer recovery remains on track.
Still, the public can expect to see the beloved future queen attend key events, such as the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which is her “No. 1 priority” among royal engagements.
The beloved princess this week made a welcome return to to her duty with the Irish Guards on St. Patrick’s Day in London.
On Monday, the mom of three — who is the honorary colonel of the regiment — chugged a pint of Guinness beer after visiting the Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks.
