Today marks 15 years since the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate Middleton, married at Westminster Abbey, in what became one of the most iconic royal events of recent decades.
However, although they are now one of the most solid and admired royal couples, their story has not been without its difficult moments. Here are some of the challenges they have faced as a couple.
William and Kate Middleton's Breakup in 2007
Before their wedding, William and Kate went through their first major crisis: they separated in 2007 after five years together.
When their romance became public, Kate, not being a member of the royal family, became a constant target of the press. The paparazzi began following her everywhere, invading her privacy, even hacking her phone to obtain private information and criticizing her work performance. The situation escalated to such a point that William had to issue a statement asking for respect for his then-girlfriend.
This was compounded by media pressure regarding a possible engagement. While Kate seemed ready to take that step, it was said that the prince considered them still too young and unprepared. The press even mockingly nicknamed the princess "Waity Katie." This difference ultimately contributed to their brief separation.
Even so, they were only apart for a couple of months, and in 2010 they announced their engagement, confirming the strength of their relationship.
Kate Middleton's Topless Photos
One of the most delicate scandals the couple faced occurred in 2012, when topless photos of Kate were published while she was enjoying a private vacation in Provence.
The images, taken without their consent, were published by a French magazine, sparking a major international controversy over the invasion of privacy of public figures.
The palace reacted immediately, calling the publication a violation of the couple's privacy. William, in particular, was upset by the incident, as it reminded him of the media harassment his mother, Princess Diana, endured.
The case went to court, and the couple took action against those responsible, setting an important precedent for the protection of privacy within the royal family.
Rumors of infidelity with Rose Hanbury
Another complicated moment came in 2019 when rumors began circulating that William had cheated on Middleton with model Rose Hanbury, who was close to the Princess of Wales and, at the time, the couple's neighbor.
The American media outlet In Touch started the speculation, reporting that Kate had confronted her husband about the situation, and he dismissed it lightly, claiming that nothing had happened.
It is also speculated that, following the rumors, Kate requested that Hanbury be gradually removed from her inner circle. Although nothing was ever confirmed, the fact remains that the now Marchioness of Cholmondeley has not been seen near them since.
When the issue resurfaced in 2024, Hanbury categorically denied the allegations through her lawyers in Business Insider, stating that "the rumors are completely false."
The alleged rugby rivalry
Amid the constant attention surrounding the couple, even their shared love of rugby has fueled rumors of a supposed rivalry between them. This stems from the fact that Kate is patron of the Rugby Football Union in England, while William supports the Welsh Rugby Union.
During Six Nations Championship matches, both have been seen supporting their respective teams, sparking comments on social media about a possible "competition" within the relationship. However, far from being a real conflict, everything points to a friendly dynamic that the couple themselves have taken with humor, making it one of the lighter contrasts to the more complex moments they have faced.
Kate's Cancer Diagnosis
One of the toughest challenges they faced as a couple was Kate's cancer diagnosis. Although the type wasn't revealed, the princess explained that it was detected after abdominal surgery.
The news coincided with King Charles III's diagnosis, which intensified the pressure on the family. During that period, William assumed a key role in supporting his wife.
Before the official announcement, Kate's absence generated intense media speculation, increasing the strain on the couple. In March 2024, Middleton confirmed her illness and the start of chemotherapy. Months later, she reappeared publicly at the Trooping the Colour parade, confirming that she was continuing her treatment.
In September, she announced that she had completed chemotherapy, and in 2025, she confirmed that she was finally in remission.
Throughout these 15 years, the couple has demonstrated that, despite media pressure and personal challenges, their relationship has remained strong in the face of adversity.
