Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly preparing for a quiet and reflective Christmas to strengthen their marriage following a tumultuous year marked by personal and familial challenges. According to sources, the royal couple plans to spend the festive season at their Sandringham Estate with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
A source told RadarOnline.com, "Kate and William have had what the Queen famously called an 'annus horribilis.' She's had her health battle and their marriage was rocked again by the ghost of rumors Wills cheated. It's been horrific for both of them and their kids-especially with King Charles battling cancer and Queen Camilla being ill, and the drama with Prince Harry." The source added that the holiday would be a time for the couple to "heal their marriage" and prepare for a "drama-free 2025."
Kate Middleton revealed earlier this year that she had undergone treatment for cancer, including abdominal surgery and chemotherapy. Despite the health scare, she has returned to royal duties. Grant Harrold, a former royal butler, remarked on the significance of this year's Christmas for the Princess of Wales. "Last Christmas she was probably aware that something wasn't quite right, so I imagine it was quite a tough Christmas. This year will be more positive, based on what we've been told," he told the outlet.
The royal couple's holiday at Sandringham comes amid persistent rumors about Prince William's alleged affair with Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, which resurfaced earlier this year. Tales of the alleged infidelity first emerged in 2019 and were reignited during Kate's health battle, sparking speculation about their relationship. Kensington Palace has dismissed the rumors as "totally wrong and false."
Omid Scobie's book, Endgame, added fuel to the fire by noting that Rose had "one or two suppers with William in Norfolk while Kate was away" but clarified that the meetings were purely platonic. An insider emphasized, "William has had meetings with Rose Hanbury. They're friends, and he finds it diabolical that people would suggest otherwise."
The couple's challenges have been compounded by health concerns within the royal family. King Charles III is reportedly battling cancer, while Queen Camilla has faced her own health issues. The drama surrounding Prince Harry has also added strain. Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare, detailed an alleged physical altercation with William and described tension within the royal family. Additionally, Harry and Meghan Markle's public interviews and their Netflix docuseries have created a rift that shows no signs of reconciliation.
Scobie's book also highlighted the lack of communication between Kate and Meghan Markle. "Kate and Meghan have had almost zero direct communication" since tensions arose, Scobie wrote, adding that reconciliation "isn't in the cards for the future." The strained relationships have only heightened the pressure on William and Kate as they continue their royal duties.
Despite these difficulties, insiders maintain that William and Kate's marriage remains solid. Royal journalist Omid Scobie described their relationship as one where the couple "work as a team." A source told Us Weekly last month, "They're the first to admit it's been a tough year, but everyone agrees William and Kate have done a wonderful job staying strong in the face of such adversity."
The royal couple has reportedly been focusing on their roles as senior royals, taking on more responsibilities since King Charles assumed the throne following Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022. Their public appearances, including a state banquet at Buckingham Palace earlier this month, reflect their commitment to their duties. Kate and William's determination to maintain a united front is seen as a testament to their resilience amid personal and public challenges.
This Christmas, William and Kate aim to find solace and strength in their family as they navigate the pressures of royal life. As one insider put it, "They just want a quiet time together and a drama-free 2025, and they're praying the family gets healthier."
