As Kate Middleton recovers from cancer, the Princess of Wales has reportedly become ‘closer’ and improved her relationship with her husband Prince William, according to People magazine sources.
The royal couple are “more open” and “talk about their relationship together,” according to the source.
“For the princess, family — her husband and­ children — are more important than anything else,” a close royal insider told PEOPLE.
Prince William has described the past 12 months as “brutal” and “probably the hardest year in my life” as both his wife and father, King Charles, faced cancer. Princess Kate, 43, announced on January 14 that she is in remission, while the King’s treatment is ongoing.
In a rare display of intimacy, the couple shared glimpses into their 13-year marriage and family life through social media posts and a video released by Kate in September 2024, announcing the completion of her chemotherapy.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward suggests that their public displays of affection show the depth of their love and the intimacy of their shared journey. “They are able to express themselves in a way they would never have done before,” Seward told PEOPLE.
Royal historian and writer Dr Amanda Foreman echoed this sentiment, stating, “They feel they are very lucky to be married to each other. Their marriage is strong, and they are being honest about it.”
Despite the cancer scare, Princess Kate has remained focused on her children, attending their school activities and enjoying a family ski trip over the holidays. As she gradually resumes her royal duties, her appearances will be primarily UK-based, with no immediate plans for overseas tours.
“She has drawn a line under the last year, and she can move forward. The word ‘remission’ is such a positive one to use, and it just feels a veil has been lifted on their life of the last year, and that they can move forward with positivity and hope,” the close royal insider said.
Throughout 2024, Princess Kate quietly attended chemotherapy sessions at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, keeping her illness private for several weeks as she and William processed the news and explained it to their children. On Jan. 14, she returned to the hospital as a woman in remission and an advocate for those still fighting cancer, spending time with patients and staff.