Then came the upheavals of 2024. In February, King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis just as Princess Kate was privately confronting her own, a reality she would not share publicly until March. By then, she had prepared her children and endured weeks of speculation and online conspiracy theories about her whereabouts and health.

With Kate officially in remission, People notes that the royal couple has “emerged more connected than ever,” with “unmistakable shifts” in their marriage. Fans have seen the PDA that includes “gentle touches, shared smiles, hands resting at each other’s backs,” and royal historian Amanda Foreman has taken notice.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been openly demonstrating their affection in public in recent months, with insiders telling OK! the PDAs are being "engineered" by William to send a clear message their marriage is firmly on solid ground following huge personal challenges – including a lingering allegation he's been unfaithful.