In the absence of clear information, a wave of global speculation followed. Catherine and William became the subjects of increasingly elaborate conspiracy theories online, ranging from accusations of infidelity to claims of body doubles as explanations for the Princess of Wales' mysterious absence from public life. However, when the royal mother of three made her first public appearance at Trooping the Colour, royal fans worldwide were relieved to see the future Queen back in the spotlight.
While it may take some time for her to fully recover, Catherine and Prince William's marriage has remained strong. In fact, according to a royal expert, Catherine's illness may have even strengthened their bond. The young Prince William, often seen as the main character in a romantic comedy, was not only the Future King but also handsome, intelligent, and caring. It’s no wonder he attracted many admirers when he was a young man starting university.
However, his heart was set on someone special—Catherine, a university housemate and friend. Many thought Catherine was a lucky lady, but she saw things differently. When a friend mentioned how fortunate she was to be dating Prince William, Catherine, with a smile, simply replied, "He's lucky to have me." Indeed, Princess Catherine has become one of the most talked-about and popular royals, serving as a pillar of strength for her family.
Middleton has always had a clear sense of purpose and dedication. Since marrying into the royal family, she has focused on causes close to her heart, including art, sports, and children's welfare. She has also embraced new areas, such as addiction and mental health issues.
On Friday, April 29, 2011, at 11:00 AM, the couple was married in Westminster Abbey. Before the ceremony, William's bride traveled by car with her father from the Goring Hotel, down the Mall to Parliament Square. Meanwhile, the night before, Prince William was greeted outside Clarence House, where he spent the evening with his best man and brother, Prince Harry. As he stepped outside to cheers from a supportive crowd, William shared a loving exchange with one of the royal fans, expressing his wedding jitters. "I hope I'm not too nervous tomorrow," he said, sharing a sentiment that many grooms before him have felt, even if their weddings weren’t state affairs.
Elsewhere in London, accompanied by her maid of honor, sister Pippa Middleton, and her mother, Carole Middleton, a beaming Catherine was spotted greeting fans outside London's Goring Hotel. The bride-to-be was spending her last night as a single woman in the luxury hotel's Royal Suite. After a dress rehearsal at Westminster Abbey, she and her family returned to the hotel, where the radiant bride-to-be waved to well-wishers who cheered for her attention. Everyone praised her calm and collected demeanor, which they said ultimately gave William the confidence to proceed with the ceremony. Initially filled with nerves, William soon relaxed with Catherine by his side, drawing strength from her presence as they embarked on their life together.
