The age of digital images has taught us that the screen is not reality. The smiles of monarchs, the poised postures, the flawless gestures are just a shell. The couple that the world considered exemplary is now questionable. William and Kate seemed the exact embodiment of the hope for a stable monarchy: quiet, poised, collected. But behind this facade, signs of personal drama are increasingly breaking through.
The first warning bells appeared back in 2007. Then William, not bothering to meet, broke off relations with Kate over the phone. She left. Returned six months later – and forgave. The wedding in 2011 was not the crowning glory of love, but a compromise. There were rumours of a prenuptial agreement: William – freedom, Kate – status and stability. Transparent, profitable, rational. But not sincere.
The recurring episodes are no coincidence. In 2007, Kate goes through a breakup and William is photographed at a club with another. In 2014, he goes to the ex’s birthday party, despite his wife’s protest. In 2017- holiday in the Alps, girls, photos. At the same time at home Kate – with an infant in her arms. These ‘stag parties’ became a routine. And outwardly everything remained the same – smiles, protocol, an ideal family.
The arrival of Rose Hanbury, Kate’s friend, changed the tone. Rumours of a liaison with the prince, hints of pregnancy, her being cut out of the inner circle. Then a sudden lull. But not because of denials, but thanks to the palace lawyers. That’s what explains the silence: the press has been silenced.
The comparison with Harry and Meghan reinforced the contrast. Those were lively, open. Kate and William were frozen. When Harry left, the ‘proper’ couple were once again the face of the monarchy. But all that changed in early 2024.
Kate disappeared. The palace remained silent. Then there was the news of illness. Oncology. Chemotherapy. A public statement made in other people’s words. One video – dry, neat. Her voice is barely audible. And william? In public – emotionless. Smiles, activities, politeness. But you can’t see him around.
Everything that once looked like reliability now seems indifferent. No support, no involvement. It’s as if she just disappeared from his life. And the silence between them has become frightening. Last year, they were still appearing together. This year, she’s gone. And he stayed in the same role, but alone.
Which begs the question: Is this a contract, where everyone fulfils their part? Or just a void where no one pretends anymore? Maybe it was Kate that held it all together. Her determination, her effort. When she went into illness, the design failed. And it was clear: William alone couldn’t do it.
The finale? There won’t be one. Not because it’s impossible, but because this isn’t a story about the end. It’s about watching people who’ve been turned into symbols. And when they started behaving like ordinary people, we felt angry at the loss of the illusion.
