It was supposed to be a joyous celebration, but Kate Middleton and Prince William‘s anniversary plans backfired after they shared a never-before-seen photo on Instagram on April 29, 2024. The couple ushered in 13 years of marriage amid the Princess of Wales’ cancer treatment.
Kensington Palace shared a snap of the couple taken on their wedding day—Catherine donning a glittering Cartier Halo tiara on loan from the late Queen Elizabeth II. But it was the black-and-white composition of the photograph that had fans thinking the worst.
“WHY BLACK AND WHITE? OMG I ALMOST FAINT” commented one royal watcher. “I THOUGHT THEY DIED,” wrote another. A third observed: “The PR team has issues. You know the situation, so posting photos in black & white is going to ring unnecessary alarm bells.”
According to Grant Harrold, a former royal butler, William will certainly ensure his wife feels special. “With everything going on with Kate, that won’t be a public thing, that’s going to be very private. Behind closed doors, I’m sure William will work to make sure she’s spoiled,” he told the Royal Observer. “It’s possible William might cook, he’s quite a good cook so it’s possible he might do a little meal or something.”
Related: Kate Middleton Young Photos: See The Princess of Wales Now vs Then
It comes after Middleton revealed she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer after undergoing a reportedly unrelated stomach operation. “This is obviously the most bittersweet anniversary William and Kate have ever experienced,” Christopher Andersen, author of The King told Fox News Digital. “Their marriage is stronger than ever, they have three beautiful children—and now they are facing the greatest challenge of their married lives.”
“The surgery was successful. 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,” Middleton said during a video statement on March 27.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”
She praised her husband William as “a great source of comfort and reassurance”, Kate added: “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
Honoring those who have been diagnosed with cancer, Kate ends the video with a hopeful tone. “While I complete my treatments. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I’m able. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time, I’m also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer, For everyone facing this disease in whatever form.”
