A congratulations are in order for the Prince and Princess of Wales as they celebrate 14 years of marriage on Tuesday (29 April). Of course, the couple have been together much longer, after meeting in the accommodation of St Andrews University back in 2001. Three years later, their relationship was finally confirmed after they were snapped kissing on the slopes of Switzerland.
Their wedding in 2011 was a fairytale affair, and millions around the world watched as Kate made her way up the aisle of Westminster Abbey towards her prince, before they famously shared not one but two kisses on the balcony.
Richard Heathcote
A young Prince William and Kate at a rugby match in 2007.
Since their wedding day, the duo have proved a strong team through the their roles as working royals, the arrival of their three children (Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis), loss, health battles and more – all under intense public scrutiny.
While the intricacies of a royal partnership might not be the most relatable dynamic, at the heart of it Will and Kate are a married couple navigating their relationship around the joys and challenges life throws as them, just like anyone else.
To mark their most recent anniversary, psychotherapist and relationships coach Heather Garbutt shares what lessons we all could learn from Prince William and Kate’s long marriage.
Support your partner through hard times with practical and emotional care
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In September last year, the Princess of Wales shared a video message confirming an “incredibly tough” time for her family since undergoing preventative treatment for cancer, following an operation the January before. Supporting a partner through illness can be a delicate and difficult process, but it’s vital to be their safe space, says psychotherapist Heather.
“Taking pressure off daily life, organising medical appointments and handling family logistics all helps practically,” she says. “But most of all, it’s about emotional presence. Check in and listen without judgement, while reminding them they’re loved just as they are. Sometimes, just being there is the biggest support you can offer.”
Embrace each other’s families with patience and boundaries 
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There are few families quite as prolific to marry into as the Royal Family, especially when the marriage comes with the job of being a working royal in line to the future throne.
“Joining two families is a beautiful idea in theory but in reality, it can be complicated. You’re not just marrying a person, you’re marrying their history, their traditions and sometimes their drama,” says Heather.
While Kate has taken to her role effortlessly, there will undoubtedly have been a lot of work behind the scenes as two people from such different upbringings combing their lives together.
“Navigating different backgrounds takes real respect, curiosity and patience,” says Heather. “You don’t have to love every family dynamic, but you do need to find healthy boundaries together as a couple, so you’re aligned.”
Make a pact to parent together, even when you disagree
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The Prince and Princess of Wales share three children together, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who they often bring to public-facing events. Memorably, the family of five all attended Queen Elizabeth II’s Plaitnum Jubilee Pageant in 2022. Prince Louis’ cheeky behaviour made headlines, with the couple and the wider family praised for how they handled the wriggly youngest royal.
“Parenting can bring out the very best and the very worst in all of us, especially under public scrutiny,” says Heather. “It’s important to present a united front, even when you might disagree behind closed doors. Agree your values and then back each other up so, when the inevitable meltdown happens, you can handle it together with patience and humour.”
Vocalise your appreciation regularly
For the Princess of Wales’ most recent birthday, Prince William penned a public declaration on social media, describing Kate as “the most incredible wife and mother”. He went onto praise her strength and say how proud he was of her, and how much he and their children loved her.
“Regular, heartfelt appreciation keeps love alive and strong,” says Heather. “It’s so easy to stop saying the sweet things once life gets busy but long-term relationships thrive on appreciation. It’s not enough to think your partner is wonderful – you must tell them, out loud and often.”
Keep a sense of independence, particularly if you work together 
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As working royals, the Prince and Princess of Wales frequently work together and attend many official events and visits as a pair. However, they both have their own projects which they support each other in, such as Kate’s Early Years Foundation, and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.
“Working with your partner can be amazing but it’s crucial to keep a sense of individuality; to have your own projects, passions and space where you’re not just the other half of the team,” says Heather. “That independence makes the relationship stronger as you can cheer each other on without feeling like you’re competing.”
Carve out family time, whatever that looks like for you
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Being a busy couple on the go, it can be hard for Prince William and Kate take time out from their schedules to relax. However, they make sure they step out of the limelight for private family holidays, such as their trip to Jordan in 2021.
“Protecting private family time, like William and Kate do, is key. Uninterrupted time – no phones and no obligations – lets your family bond in a deep, real way. It’s so easy to get caught up in curated Instagram holidays where everyone looks perfect, but real connection happens when you ditch the performance and just be together,” says Heather. “It doesn’t matter if the kids argue in the car or if someone forgets the suncream, the memories are what matter.”
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