It’s been 13 years since Kate Middleton and Prince William tied the knot in their iconic royal wedding at Westminster Abbey.
In the years that have followed, the pair have enjoyed immense highs, such as the births of their three children Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, six. They have also had to face multiple challenges together, including the deaths of Prince Philip and the Queen, the fallout with Prince Harry and Kate’s recent cancer battle.
Yet through it all, the couple, who first met at St Andrews in 2001, remain stronger than ever. Here, former royal butler Grant Harrold - who worked as King Charles’ personal butler between 2004 and 2011 - reveals to OK.co.uk the rules behind the pair’s unshakeable bond.
They both have a silly sense of humour
“William has a serious side but he can be very funny and also has a wicked side to him. He’s like the Queen in that respect. His humour is quite unexpected. Kate is also great fun and finds him so funny. They both make each other laugh and I’ve been around them when something has given them the giggles.
"William has said Kate has a cheeky sense of humour too, which he loves, she’s always quite giggly and that can easily set him off too. They’re a really good match. I seem to remember them going to see something like the Inbetweeners movie together because they love a good comedy. Their likes are identical.”
Family comes before duty
“William’s mother Princess Diana was so keen to give him and Harry a normal upbringing. His father Charles was also eager for the boys to enjoy some normality and that’s definitely inspired his parenting method. William is also very close to the Middletons and family is so important to Kate.
"They’re very hands-on. The Queen adored her family but duty often came first. Whereas with William and Kate, their kids are always the number one priority and it’s something they both agree upon.”
Friendship is the foundation
“Kate and William were friends before they started a romantic relationship and that basis has really set them up for a lasting bond. You can see how well they get on. They have so many shared passions, especially sports. They’re both really competitive and that bond is evident behind closed doors too.
"Whether they’re holding hands or placing a hand on the other’s back to check in and reassure. I've seen how close and connected they are. Just very tactile and sweet to one another. They always reminded me of the Queen and Prince Philip. They’re a great team because they’re great friends.”
They make time for each other
“When they lived in Tetbury, I remember going into the local pub and Kate and William were just sitting there having a drink. We had a nice chat. They were so normal and like any other couple.
"They know how important date nights are and even though they don't get as much time now they're parents, they will definitely make it work where they can."
William is an old romantic
“William is a romantic at heart. I remember him asking me to help with a candlelit dinner for Kate to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It was the Valentine's after they got engaged and shortly before their wedding. I was so happy to be involved and I’m sure William picked Kate’s favourite dessert as a surprise.”
