Royal couples and their love secrets
As William and Catherine celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary, we look at why their marriage is a success and other royal relationships
It feels like yesterday when Catherine Middleton wearing that Alexander McQueen dress almost got upstaged by her sister, Pippa, with that perfect bottom. But it was 11 years ago, on April 29 2011, when an estimated 162 million viewers worldwide watched Prince William, in his Irish Guards uniform, say, ‘I do’ at Westminster Abbey to the woman who won his heart years earlier while they were students at the University of St Andrews.
In sharp contrast to Charles and Diana’s ‘fairytale’ wedding after only a 13-date whirlwind courtship before Charles proposed, William and Catherine had almost 10 years of dating (plus one break up) on which to build a happy and solid marriage. As William told Tom Bradby in their engagement interview, they went from flatmates to falling in love fairly quickly. “When I first met Kate I knew there was something very special about her. We ended up being friends for a while and that was a good foundation. Because I do generally believe now that being friends with one another is a massive advantage.”
Almost 12 years and three children later since that candid chat, it’s obvious the secret to their success is equality. Catherine may have been born a ‘commoner’ but William has always treated her as his equal. They support each other both emotionally and with all their causes. Royal biographer Robert Jobson wrote in William at 40: The Making of a Modern Monarch that the couple have created an equal and loving partnership and Catherine helps to keep William “grounded”. One friend told Mr Jobson, “They’ve got a solid relationship and she gives him confidence.”
So what are the secrets that make other royal relationships work? The Royal List reveals the truth behind the most famous palace love stories.
Harry & Meghan: A lot has happened since this pair tied the knot in May 2018. Mental and moral support are key to their happiness as they forge a new life in the US on their terms. They’re united in their passions for their individual and shared causes, from the Invictus Games to Archewell. Harry told Oprah, after stepping back as a senior royal, “I’m just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you, with my wife by my side.”
Charles & Camilla: They first met 50 years ago and their rollercoaster romance is well-documented. Finally married in April 2005, these soulmates were blessed by a winning speech from the Queen, saying, “They have overcome Becher’s Brook and The Chair and all kinds of other terrible obstacles. They have come through and I’m very proud and wish them well. My son is home and dry with the woman he loves.” As a former butler said, “They get on really well, they are the best of friends. And they’ve got a great sense of humour. They’re brilliant fun, especially when they get the giggles.”
Edward & Sophie: Mutual respect and love shine through in every pic of this couple. The prince wed PR professional Sophie Rhys-Jones in June 1999 and ever since they have enjoyed a loving and controversy-free relationship, as well as bringing up Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. While his siblings’ first marriages ended in divorce, as far as The Royal List is concerned, this couple can do no wrong.
The Queen & Prince Philip: The secret to their 73-year marriage was down to compatibility and the same royal training in duty and loyalty. Both loved horses and the outdoor life; both were undemonstrative by nature, emotions were something to be kept private. Lord Charteris, the monarch’s former private secretary, recalled, “Prince Philip is the only man in the world who treats the Queen simply as another human being.”
Anne and Kate’s maternity mission
Princess Anne joined forces with the Duchess of Cambridge on Wednesday for a visit to the new headquarters of the Royal College for Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Royal College of Midwives. Catherine is patron of the RCOG and the Princess Royal has been patron of the RCM for 20 years.
Maternity services have had a bad rap in the UK lately, but Anne lightened the mood when she revealed she thought one of her babies’ heads had become wedged, whilst she was pregnant, after she tripped over a horsebox.
Kate looked smart in her oatmeal-coloured Self Portrait dress, £400 and Anne in a teal coat and scarf. “This new building illustrates the importance of sector collaboration in finding solutions to improve maternal healthcare,” the Duchess of Cambridge stated. “It is vital that women and families feel listened to and supported at such a significant time in their lives.”
Grand Old Duke of… nowhere
Prince Andrew suffered another blow this week as the Duke of York was stripped of his Freedom of the City of York. Councillors in York voted unanimously to remove the award, which was given to him in 1987, after his settlement with Virginia Giuffre, following sexual assault allegations.
The City of York Council confirmed Andrew had been contacted about the decision. He has made no comment, but safe to say he won’t be booking a mini-break to the city famous for its Shambles – something he’s made of his career.
Eugenie and Beatrice do good
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, meanwhile, are making news for doing good.
On Wednesday, Eugenie announced she’s following Harry’s footsteps by launching a podcast. Eugenie co-founded The Anti-Slavery Collective charity with friend Julia de Boinville and now the pair are co-hosting the podcast Floodlight. “Join me … as we sit down with guests from all walks of life who are helping to combat modern slavery in a variety of ways,” Eugenie posted on Instagram. “From lawmakers and company leaders to famous activists, survivors and journalists, Floodlight shows you just how prominent modern slavery is and that we can all do something about it.”
Beatrice was also busy this week as she and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi travelled to Stockholm on Wednesday for the first World Dyslexia Assembly, hosted by Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia at the Swedish Royal Palace. Beatrice has long been vocal about having dyslexia, previously saying, “It’s no secret that I struggled with my dyslexia as a child.”
Secrets of the royal sausage rolls
If you’re planning a Jubilee tea, you’ll need the new Platinum Jubilee Cookbook. Some 70 British Embassies and High Commissions around the world provided recipes - many of which are served during royal visits. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall wrote the foreword and top of Charles’ pick is the Seswana and English Mustard Sausage Roll recipe from Botswana. The Platinum Jubilee Cookbook is on sale now, £24.99 at Waterstones.