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Prince William Changed Himself to Save His Marriage to Kate After Fearing He’d Lose Her

Prince William and Princess Kate during their visit to Mallon Farm (Cover Image Source: Getty Images |  Chris Jackson)
Prince William and Princess Kate during their visit to Mallon Farm (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)
Jan. 05 2026, Published 09:37 AM. ET
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The past couple of years have been increasingly challenging for Prince William and Princess Kate. The couple once shared a fairytale romance that culminated in their fairytale wedding on April 29, 2011. In the years that followed, they welcomed three beautiful children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. However, before long, whispers began echoing through royal corridors, hinting at trouble in paradise. While speculation continued to swirl, nothing was ever officially confirmed until tragedy struck and Kate was diagnosed with cancer.

Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate Middleton during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 9, 2025 (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)

In March 2024, Kate announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would be undergoing treatment. Fortunately, things began to turn in her favor. By September 2024, she revealed that she was cancer-free, later confirming in January 2025 that she was in remission. While the period was undeniably uphill for the couple, Kate’s health battle reportedly worked as a turning point, ultimately strengthening their marriage. Former royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner, speaking to Fox News Digital, revealed how William made significant changes to himself in an effort to save their relationship.

"There were ongoing rumors at one time that the marriage between William and Kate may not have been as blissful as publicly portrayed," added Turner. He explained that William had his issues and Kate always calmed him down, but after her cancer diagnosis, he strived to become better. "William has been known for his outbursts, and Kate has found ways of calming the situation down, but personally, I feel after the cancer diagnosis and the threat of losing her, the closeness was rekindled," opined the royal photographer.

Image Source: Getty Images |  Anwar Hussein/WireImage
Princess Catherine and Prince William attend the Royal Ascot (Image Source: Getty Images | Anwar Hussein/WireImage)

The couple has been together for over two decades, and their relationship has naturally changed. They decided to prioritize family after the recent setback, which is why they, along with their kids, moved into their new home at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. "And that is why decisions were made, such as their quieter living accommodation rather than a palace, to try and lead a normal family life have become their focus," said Turner.

William and Kate want to leave all their painful experiences behind and start fresh. "Adelaide Cottage was a place of pain, suffering, and sadness. After such rough times, it’s perfectly understandable they would want a new place," opined royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, talking to People magazine. The adversities helped to strengthen their marriage, and it all worked out in the end.

Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Max Mumby-Indigo
Prince William and Princess Kate with kids, Prince Louis, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte, watch an RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby-Indigo)

"Adversity either destroys a marriage or brings couples closer after shared adversity. Certainly, their marriage has resulted in the latter, not the former. They never stoop down to ghastly gossip, which is most admirable," said Hilary Fordwich, adding to Turner's perspective. According to her, the couple will now focus on their family dynamics and kids. "With their move to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, everything there has been seen, by those who know, is really focused primarily on their family stability as well as ever treasured privacy," she added.

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