Princess Kate and Prince William endured an emotionally challenging time as they dealt a turbulent year marked by personal and public struggles, a royal expert has revealed. 

To those unfamiliar, the future Queen has now completed her chemotherapy treatment and is in remission. According to royal insiders, the past year has been one of the most difficult periods of her life, but it also left her with a renewed sense of strength and determination. 

However, there was a noticeable moment that added salt to the injury was the scandal over Mother’s Day photo in March 2024 shared by Kate on social media.

Several leasing photo agencies withdrew the image, forcing Kate to acknowledge that she had edited the picture. Royal commentator Robert Hardman told People that the backlash left the couple deeply hurt. ‘They felt really bruised by it.’

The controversy unfolded at at time when Kate was privately battling cancer, adding emotional strain on the family. 

Jason Knauf, Prince William’s private secretary, reflected on the impact during an interview with 60 Minutes Australia. ‘Imagine discovering both your wife and your father have cancer. It was devastating,’ Knauf shared. 

Prince William also talked about his challenging time during his Earthshot Prize visit to Cape Town in November 2024.