'Devoted to each other': Inside the private relationship of William and Kate

Ever since the Princess of Wales disappeared from public life at the start of this year, the rumour mill has been in overdrive that things were not well in her marriage.After it was announced she had undergone major abdominal surgery, and even when the cause of her continued absence – a cancer diagnosis – was given, reports surfaced that a separation or divorce were imminent.But while social media continues to sprout ludicrous stories about the state of the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales, a royal expert has weighed in, saying the two remain "devoted to each."READ MORE: King Charles' 'frustration' over Archie and LilibetBritish journalist and author Katie Nicholl has been the royal correspondent for Vanity Fair since 2010, and co-hosts the podcast Dynasty: The Royal Family's Most Challenging Year alongside Erin Vanderhoof.The most recent episode, Kate Middleton and the Future of the Monarchy, examined Catherine's extended absence from the spotlight this year and the truth about the Waleses' marriage.But Nicholl said while the couple was engulfed in a maelstrom of conspiracy theories over Kate's absence and the Mother's Day photo that sparked 'Kate-gate,' it was nothing they hadn't been through before."Well, it wasn't for the first time because they've dealt with all sorts of rumour and speculation and, frankly, rubbish in the years they've been married," Nicholl said.READ MORE: Royal fans swooning over William's 'summer makeover' in new video"We've all heard marriage rumours. We've heard it all and there's no substance to any of it."But now we know what they were dealing with – a cancer diagnosis. It just puts it, I think, in a completely different light."But I think the point is that in all of this, they have remained a team. They've remained a partnership."They are devoted to each other. They are loyal to each other. They have each other's best interests at heart."Nicholl said she had spoken to a former senior courtier with close ties to both William and Kate, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who has known William for about 20 years and known Kate for almost as long."I put it to him, because of course we have heard speculation about the marriage, and this was something that was also circulating online," she said.READ MORE: Suble detail in this photo is Kate's secret parenting weapon"And this is from someone who really is in the know, who just said, 'They are a team. They're a partnership.'"And he pointed out the early days, how that relationship was formed within the bubble of St Andrews, that it started as a friendship. I mean, we shouldn't forget that. They started off as friends. It was platonic."But this beautiful love story, this long-lasting marriage has been built on a foundation of friendship, and I think it's that that has stood them in greater stead."This is sickness and in health, right? You don't give up on someone at a point like this in life. And [William] was never going to."They stuck by each other. They stuck together like glue."The couple showed just how much they adore each other by sharing a private moment on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour in June, which also marked Kate's long-awaited return to royal duties.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.