Kate Middleton and Prince William have been marking their wedding anniversary today, 13 years after tying the knot at Westminster Abbey on 19 April, 2011. They were watched by 2,000 guests in the Abbey and a further 72 million around the world, but today has likely been a quiet, more sedate celebration for the family, a source told OK!.
Our source said that while the family are currently dealing with Kate's recovery after her recent cancer diagnosis, they planned to make the most of the occasion privately. “Well, it’s a school day, so I expect their day will as usual revolve around their children. So much depends on how Catherine is feeling at that stage of her treatment," they said.
"So I imagine William will not make elaborate plans. Perhaps a special dinner at home, perhaps a walk or even a bike ride if she’s feeling well enough - last year they issued a charming photo of them taking a bike ride taken during a stay in Norfolk."
Kate has been absent from public duties since undergoing abdominal surgery in January, after which doctors told her they had identified that "cancer had been present" and she should "undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy".
After what has probably been a difficult time for the couple, juggling the needs of their children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, six - with Kate's recovery, the source said just being together would likely be enough of a celebration for William and Kate.
"I think just being together quietly, with Catherine hopefully feeling she is on the road to full recovery, will be celebration enough for them," they said. "But perhaps William will buy her something with lace to mark the anniversary year."
Sharing her news with the world on Friday, 22 March, Kate said: "In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. "The surgery was successful," she shared. "However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."
While Kate has since remained off-duty, the Prince of Wales has resumed his royal diary with his first royal appearance taking place at a community project which helps distribute surplus food to those who need it.
Their social media accounts have also been relatively quiet since Kate posted her very personal update, but on April 23 last week, the Prince and Princess of Wales publicly marked Prince Louis' sixth birthday, sharing a sweet photograph of the youngster. Alongside the picture, the couple wrote: "Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the kind wishes today."
Our source said the couple wanted to give their youngest son his "usual" celebration, and would be making a special effort to mark their own day this week. “They [William and Kate] will celebrate Louis’ birthday with his friends as usual and make a special effort to celebrate their anniversary together the weekend afterwards in Norfolk,” they said.