OK! can reveal Kate Middleton is determined to savor what insiders describe as a joyful "last hurrah" with Prince William, as the couple quietly plan a period of fun, family time and travel before the full weight of the crown inevitably descends.
Kate, 44, and William, 43, are said to be consciously putting their marriage and children first while they still can, as they are now "painfully aware" their freedom will narrow sharply once they become King and Queen, insiders tell us. Friends say the Prince and Princess of Wales see the next two years as a rare window to reconnect, recharge and enjoy life away from relentless expectation, as cancer-hit King Charles' reign is expected to last at least that long, according to other sources familiar with his health fight.
Source: MEGAPrincess Kate and Prince William want to be with their family before they take the throne, a source claims.
One source said: "They view the coming couple of years as a final chance to enjoy themselves without the full weight of the crown. Kate has been very open with William that, for the moment, their relationship and family life have to take priority."The couple will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary in April and are already seasoned in royal duty, having taken on increasing responsibility even before the death of Queen Elizabeth II. But with King Charles, 77, undergoing ongoing cancer treatment, the timeline of their looming succession has become more tangible. Insiders say the reality they may inherit the throne sooner than expected has sharpened their resolve to enjoy the present. One royal aide said: "They are under no illusions about the future. The moment responsibility formally passes to them, the scale and intensity of their duties will increase dramatically and almost immediately."
Source: MEGAPrincess Kate and Prince William will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary.
According to others close to the couple, Kate has been the driving force behind protecting her and William's private time. One insider confided: "They have a clear-eyed view of what lies ahead, but they are equally resolved not to sacrifice their relationship to duty. Kate has been firm that she does not want their lives reduced to hurried encounters and parallel schedules. For them, this period is about reinforcing their bond so they are prepared when the real pressure arrives."The past year has tested the family. Kate confirmed she was in remission from cancer in January 2025, while Charles was hospitalized months later due to side effects from his own treatment.
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Source: MEGAPrincess Kate confirmed she was in remission from cancer in January 2025.
William has also faced continued strain over his fractured relationship with Prince Harry, 41, and the ongoing fallout surrounding his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 65. One source said: "The pace and pressure have been unrelenting. With serious health concerns and ongoing family tensions colliding, this has ranked among the most challenging stretches William has ever faced."William recently acknowledged that strain publicly. He admitted: "Stuff to do with family overwhelms me, quite a bit. You know, worry or stress around the family side of things - that does overwhelm me."
Source: MEGAPrince William has a fractured relationship with Prince Harry.
William added: "Life is sent to test us as well, and it definitely can be challenging at times. Supporters say those challenges have only strengthened his marriage to Kate." One insider said: "Kate's diagnosis was a turning point. It forced William to reassess his priorities almost immediately, and that sense of what truly matters has not faded. Together, she and William have reflected deeply on what they want the next phase of their lives to look like, and at its heart is spending meaningful time with one another."