As Prince William steps up as number two to the throne, royal experts explain how he and Kate Middleton are managing amid the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales celebrate 15 years of marriage on 29 April, it’s an opportunity to reflect on everything they have achieved and overcome as a couple. It also offers a chance to consider what the future holds for them both as husband and wife, and as the future King and Queen.
In the years that have passed since their wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011, we have seen William and Kate’s deep love for one another flourish as they have established themselves as one of the most dedicated and self-assured couples within the royal family, all while raising their three children, reports the Mirror.
“It is undoubtedly one of the toughest things a couple can go through, but the foundations they have built over the years stood them in good stead to cope together and come out stronger,” says royal broadcaster and author Katie Nicholl, adding, “They have a relationship rooted in a firm friendship, which has transitioned and changed over the years, but ultimately they have grown together as a couple.”
When his wife and father, King Charles, were both being treated for cancer, William praised them for their courage but acknowledged that it had taken its toll on the family. “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done,” he said. “But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
In recent months, the royal family has faced its biggest crisis in decades following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and his subsequent arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Amid the turmoil, William and Kate have remained united in their position, and released a short but to-the-point statement via their spokesperson on 19 February, saying, “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
With the backing of his wife, William is credited as being the driving force behind Charles’s decision to strip Andrew of his royal title and evict him from Royal Lodge.
“William is thinking about when he takes the top job, and what he can do to protect and guide the royal family in the future. But for now, they want to carry on as normal at all costs, while staying as distant from Andrew as possible,” says royal expert Duncan Larcombe. “There is no doubt that William is stepping up to effectively be number two in the family, and that King Charles trusts and values his opinion.”
Insiders say Kate has been a crucial support to William during Andrew’s fall from grace, and following Prince Harry and his wife Meghan’s departure from the royal family in 2020 and the heartache that followed.
“Kate’s first concern has always been William, and giving him support,” says Katie, author of Kate: The Future Queen. “That may take the form of allowing him the time and space to deal with things privately, or providing him with a safe space in which to relax and to take his mind off things, maybe over a game with the children or getting outdoors for a long walk in nature.”
The couple were a picture of unity when they attended the Commonwealth Day Service on 9 March, along with King Charles, Queen Camilla and Anne, Princess Royal. It was the royal family’s first major public engagement since Andrew’s arrest. Three days later, William and Kate were out in force again, this time sharing a giggle as they pulled pints in Bermondsey in South London.
During the couple’s 2010 engagement interview, William revealed that he and Kate enjoy having a laugh together, telling the world, “She’s got a really naughty sense of humour which kind of helps me because I’ve got a very dirty sense of humour”. It’s this, says Katie, that has kept them going during the darker moments of their marriage.
Royal writer Richard Palmer agrees that their happy demeanour and solid partnership sends a positive message about the future of the British monarchy – at a time when it’s needed more than ever.
“All the signs point to them being very happy together and their marriage being very strong,” he tells us. “You can see it in their body language alone that they look united.
“They clearly share a similar approach in what they want to achieve as a royal couple, and how they view the monarchy’s role going forward. They are a team in every way and there is an awful lot for them to celebrate on their anniversary this year.”
Katie agrees, and notes that it’s their willingness to be open about their vulnerabilities that endears them to the public and suggests this openness also demonstrates the strength at the core of their relationship.
“They have a very honest and open relationship, and communication is clearly key in that. They have made the time over the years to invest in their relationship, separate from their roles as parents and as working royals.
“Of course, their children always come first for William and Kate, but in recent years they have also prioritised together-time, and spent long weekends together without the children.
“The success of their relationship comes down to partnership and friendship, and the idea that they’re ‘in this together’. They have a busier calendar this year and I think we will see more of what they have always done brilliantly – representing the King and flying the flag for Great Britain and the royal family. When the moment comes for them to be King and Queen, they will absolutely be ready.”
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