When one a friend of the Princess of Wales told her that she was lucky to have Prince William, she seemingly had a seriously confident five-word comeback, that put the pal in their place
The love story of Prince William and his wife Kate might have taken place in the bright spotlight that comes with royal life, but was actually very similar to the romances of many couples up and down the country. The pair first met as undergraduates at the University of St Andrews where they quickly developed a friendship that would eventually turn into something more.
After leaving their studies behind, back in London, Kate and William dated for a long time – even breaking up for a short period – before finally deciding to settle down together. Prince William was seen, back in his younger days, as a seriously eligible bachelor, with the huge amounts of attention he started to receive during his teenage years dubbed ‘Willsmania’ by the press.
However popular and coveted her boyfriend’s attention might have been at the time, Kate firmly kept her feet on the ground – and when a pal told her she was lucky to have bagged the prince, she had a seriously confident five word comeback.
“He’s lucky to have me,” was her firm reply, according to Claudia Joseph, author of Kate Middleton : Princess in Waiting. Despite keeping it short and sweet, Kate made it clear exactly where she stood on the matter, and clearly Prince William agrees.
After going through an incredibly challenging year, with the future Queen undergoing cancer treatment and forced to step away from public life while she focussed on her recovery and wellbeing, William penned a heartfelt message to his wife on social media to mark her 43rd birthday earlier this year.
“To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable,” William wrote in the message. “George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.”
On Valentine’s Day, the couple shared another sweet message on social media – said to be the first time they have acknowledged the day dedicated to love. They posted a photograph of themselves sitting on a picnic blanket in a woodland area, with William kissing his wife’s cheek and Kate beaming and holding his hands.
The couple usually aren’t ones for public displays of affection, so the Valentine’s Day message, which was accompanied by a heart emoji, showed just how much they are prioritising their relationship after a difficult year in their private lives – which also saw William’s father, King Charles, diagnosed with cancer.
When Kate announced that she had completed her cancer treatment, she said in an emotional statement that her experiences had given her a new sense of perspective.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
