Camilla Jessen
Royal experts on how cancer reshaped William and Kate.
The past two years have been among the most challenging of Kate Middleton’s life.
After revealing a cancer diagnosis in 2024, the Princess of Wales stepped back from public duties and focused on treatment, recovery and family.
A life-changing diagnosis
Kate shared her cancer diagnosis publicly in March 2024, saying she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. While she did not disclose the specific type of cancer, she later confirmed that she was cancer-free by September and announced she was in remission in January.
The illness brought major changes for the family.
Kate paused her royal work, while William took on more responsibilities at home and adjusted his public role to support his wife and their three children.
Like any long-term couple, William and Kate have faced pressures over the years. But experts say the health crisis marked a turning point.
A renewed closeness
Former royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News that Kate’s illness may have been a powerful wake-up call for the Prince of Wales.
“William has been known for his outbursts and Kate has found ways of calming the situation down,” Turner said. “But personally, I feel after the cancer diagnosis and the threat of losing her, the closeness was rekindled.”
He added that the couple’s decision to focus on a quieter home life reflects that shift.
“That is why decisions were made such as their quieter living accommodation rather than a palace, to try and lead a normal family life,” Turner said.
Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich agrees that the experience has strengthened their bond rather than weakened it.
“Adversity either destroys a marriage or brings couples closer after shared adversity,” she said. “Certainly, their marriage has resulted in the latter, not the former.”
Fordwich also praised the couple for avoiding speculation and rumours. “They never stoop down to ghastly gossip, which is most admirable,” she said.
A new beginning in Windsor
The Prince and Princess of Wales have recently settled into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, a move widely seen as part of a broader reset after Kate’s treatment.
“With their move to Forest Lodge, everything there has been seen as really focused on family stability and privacy,” Fordwich said.
Sources: Fox News; Newsner
