10 YEARS WED, WILLS & KATE
IT’S been a decade since William and Kate’s fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey wowed the world.
Now parents to George, seven, Charlotte, five, and Louis – who turned three last week – the couple seem just as loved-up as ever.
And as strife rumbles on with royal rifts and Prince Philip’s death earlier this month, the steadfast Cambridges are coming to the fore.
One Palace staffer said: “Without a doubt we are in a period of change. Arguably change at the top with the Queen handing over more responsibilities to the Prince of Wales and, of course, William as well.
“It means Kate will be even more front and centre and what you’ve seen over the past year or two is that she definitely has grown in confidence in order to do that.
“With the Duke and Duchess of Sussex out of the picture, and never likely to return, one would think, this is their time.”
William and Kate’s love story began when they met as students at St Andrew’s University. News of their romantic relationship was public knowledge by 2004.
A brief split three years later left Kate heartbroken, but she later said the months apart had made her stronger.
Praised
Since the 2011 wedding, their relationship, popularity and standing within the Royal Family have gone from strength to strength.
Becoming parents to Prince George in 2013, the Cambridges appeared to be naturals.
The Duchess was pictured outside St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington hours after giving birth and the world smiled on as her husband fumbled with their baby’s car seat for the first time.
After Princess Charlotte arrived in 2015, William spoke of his joy at having a “lovely little family”, adding: “Catherine has been doing an amazing job as a mother and I’m very proud of her.”
The following year Kate said she was inspired by the example of the Queen and the late Prince Philip.
“All the time William and I are so struck by the Queen’s sense of duty and commitment,” she said. “It really is fantastic.”
The couple’s mutual affection and shared sense of humour – as well as their competitive streaks and passion for sports
– have drawn the public to them and won another generation round to the royals.
But they have come increasingly to the fore within the monarchy as troubles have plagued the family over recent years.
Always united and often smiling, they act as a beacon of hope for the future of the institution.
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Confident Kate will be even more front and
centre