The Princess of Wales's public cancer battle has profoundly reshaped her marriage to Prince William, forging a deeper, more resilient partnership, close friends have revealed.
A Public Announcement and a Private Struggle
In a move that stunned the world in March 2024, Princess Kate announced she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. The news led her to step back from royal duties for several months. It was not until January 2025 that she shared the hopeful update of being in remission during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Speaking candidly at the time, Kate described adjusting to a "new normal" but looked forward to a "fulfilling year ahead." She has since returned to public engagements with her characteristic dedication. However, both she and William have been open about the immense strain the health crisis placed on their young family.
A Relationship Transformed for the Better
A friend of the Waleses has now disclosed how the ordeal ultimately strengthened their bond. Speaking to The Times, the source explained that the experience, while harrowing, changed them for the good. "At heart, they’re both good, proper people," the friend said. "While you’d never wish it upon them, it’s made them stronger as a couple and stronger as individuals, with probably more wisdom than they had before."
The friend highlighted how the diagnosis forced a pause in their fast-paced lives. "When your kids are young, you just barrel forward at great pace... And with this, you know, it’s the obvious cliché, but it sort of stops you in your tracks." This shared perspective shift, born from adversity, has reportedly brought a new depth to their relationship.
Navigating the 'New Normal' After Treatment
Kate has been remarkably open about the psychological challenges of recovery. During a visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex in July 2025, she described the diagnosis as "life changing" and the treatment a "rollercoaster." She emphasised the difficulty of the post-treatment phase, where patients are expected to "crack on" but often struggle.
"You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it's like ’I can crack on, get back to normal’ but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult," she told patients. Kate stressed the value of holistic support for "mind, body and spirit" in finding one's "new normal."
Prince William also shared his personal toll during an appearance on The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy in October 2025. He admitted to feeling "overwhelmed" by the family's health issues, which took him to "not great places." He expressed immense pride in his wife and father, King Charles, for how they handled the previous year, and praised his children for coping brilliantly.
The couple's journey through a very public health crisis has not only showcased their individual fortitude but has also, according to those closest to them, cemented their partnership with a renewed sense of strength and shared understanding.
