Kate Middleton, known worldwide as the Princess of Wales, endured arguably the most turbulent year of her life in 2024. Amidst growing concern over her health and well-being, Kate had to confirm in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer. She entered treatment to a wave of well-wishers — and she was able to leave her cancer in 2024 after a successful regimen saw her enter remission.
Kate’s illness profoundly impacted her relationship with William, the Prince of Wales. William’s wife and father, King Charles III, both spent much of the past year locked in their own cancer battles — which made the United Kingdom‘s heir apparent take stock of his own life and the relationships that mean the most to him.
A healthier marriage than ever
Kate and William’s 2011 marriage captured global attention, and the couple has been among the most famous on the globe since their nuptials. Both William and Kate have spent time recently making “tweaks” to their marriage, and reinforcing the importance of their partnership as well as their efforts to co-parent three young children.
“For the princess, family – her husband and children – are more important than anything else,” a royal insider told People magazine.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be “more open” about their marriage, and People has reported that they spend more time discussing their 13-year marriage now. Kate and William will celebrate their 14th anniversary in April, and it will be a much more joyous occasion relative to the uncertain undertones that defined their 13th year together.
“William must feel so fortunate that Kate has come through this that he wants to tell the world about that love. It shows the intimacy of them sharing that journey together,” royal biographer Ingrid Seward told People. “They are able to express themselves in a way they would never have done before.”