As the Prince and Princess of Wales approach their wedding anniversary, William displays his commitment and devotion
WORDS: REBECCA RUSSELL PHOTOS: GETTY, JOSH SHINNER/KENSINGTON PALACE
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Their love story began more than two decades ago as young students on the cobblestoned streets at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Now, as the Prince and Princess of Wales prepare to celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary, the poignancy of the marital landmark will surely not be lost landing, as it does, as the princess continues her treatment for cancer.
It will also be a day to look back on how far they have come as a couple, what they have achieved together and the way they have navigated the ups and downs any long partnership will inevitably face.
There have been many blissfully happy times, of course – growing older together and adapting to their ever-changing royal roles, all while expanding their family with the births of Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, six.
But it hasn’t all been plain sailing.
From the on-going speculation about the couple’s relationship with the Sussexes to the King’s health worries and of course the princess’ abdominal surgery and cancer diagnosis, their anniversary on 29 April will surely be a day to both celebrate and reflect.
“In a marriage, you are committing yourselves to the long haul and there are inevitably going to be some bad times as well, hopefully, as some wonderful ones,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells OK!. “But it is often the difficult times that bind you ever closer together… when you feel like a team, united against the world or whatever adversity is facing you. I’m sure that Kate’s cancer will have focused both their minds on their deep love for one another, the family they have created and the fragility of life. I think they will cherish one another even more when they get through this.”
The couple’s fairy-tale wedding took place at Westminster Abbey in 2011 and was watched by an estimated global audience of 17.6 million people. The years that have followed have been marked with hard work as well as joy as the couple have thrown their support behind causes which are dear to their hearts – from mental health to the plight of the homeless and the importance of early years development.
Indeed, the Prince of Wales returned to official duties last week for the first time since Kate’s cancer diagnosis was made public. He visite
