25 June 2024 , 10:54
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It's been 13 years since Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot. Much has happened in that time, including the joyful arrival of their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
But they have also faced great adversity, including the ongoing fallout with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the death of the Queen, and Kate and King Charles's ongoing cancer treatment. The 'unshakable' couple have emerged stronger than ever though. And it's clear that William has been a rock for his wife; he is the constant in her life while she remains at the very heart of his.
According to royal commentator Ingrid Seward, the past year has been the making of William - and his mother, the late Princess Diana, would be incredibly proud.
William and Kate are stronger than ever (Getty Images)
Kate and William pictured soon after their marriage in 2011 (Getty Images)Touching on the importance of stability in his life, Ingrid told the : "It has been one of the most difficult couple of years of 's life.
"William is sensitive, he likes structure and has perseverance. He does not give up easily. His relationship with brother Harry upset him more than he would care to admit. But he found it easier to cut ties rather than allow himself to be continually annoyed.
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"His life with Kate gives him the security, love and friendship he needs. He doesn't dwell upon the loss of his mother but knows the feeling of hurt will never go away completely."
The Princess captured this sweet snapshot in honour of Father's DayCertainly there seems to have been a shift recently. In honour of Father's Day, Kate shared a family photograph showing William standing with his arms around their children as they look out to sea. It came with a personal message from George, Charlotte and Louis - for the very first time. "We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day G, C & L."
Days later, and there was another photograph, this time in honour of William's 42nd birthday. Considerably more candid than images usually shared by the royals, it shows the prince leaping from a sand dune, holding hands with the kids. "Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx," Princess Kate captioned the fun snapshot.
Royal expert and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop says the picture shows just how far the family has come in recent months - and the major change William and Kate are making. She told the : "It's fresh, it's affectionate and it's full of fun. Posted across the couple's social media accounts, this winsome photograph speaks to how far the family have come in recent months.
Kate shared this fun family photo in honour of her husband's birthday (PA)"The children's love and trust is framed in the shot – a leap of faith alongside their father. And the princess doubles down on that sentiment through her unequivocal messaging. 'Happy Birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx'. George, Charlotte and Louis love their Dad 'so much!' As does Kate. The inclusive 'we all' phrasing accompanied by her hallmark sign off, 'Cx' implicates the Princess of Wales in this close-knit unit. Here is a family who have faced down adversity and come through it stronger and more united.
"Some may shrug and ask 'what’s the big deal?' But let's not forget that in the wake of the Sussexes departure, accusations of disunity and disfunction have rocked the Windsor family. Perhaps that fallout was the inevitable legacy of Charles and Diana's divorce, and William and Harry's premature, tragic loss of their mother. In contrast, these pictures tell us that Kate and William are doing things very differently."