If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrated 15 years of marriage with a never-before-seen family photo.
In the joyful snap, which was shared on their Kensington Royal social media accounts on April 29, the couple is seen lying on the grass with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The post’s caption read, “Celebrating 15 years of marriage ❤️.” Their black cocker spaniel, Orla, is seen sitting next to William, alongside the family’s brown spaniel whose name remains undisclosed.
15 years ago, William and Kate exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey in front of 2 billion people who watched around the globe. Since then, the college sweethearts have become parents to three and powerhouse faces of the British Royal Family.
William and Kate’s story began long before the wedding. They first met as students at St. Andrews in 2001, starting as friends before their relationship grew. Royal fans saw them navigate their post-college years, a brief split, and the now-legendary “not a breakup” glow-up that preceded their engagement. Now, with three children at home and both of them well into their forties, it’s easy to forget just how young they were when this all began.
Related story
Who Was Kate Middleton Before She Met Prince William? Things You Don’t Know About Her Pre-Royal Life
Kate’s 2024 cancer announcement marked a major shift for the family, with both she and William pulling back from their usual pace while she underwent treatment. When she confirmed her remission in 2025, the two slowly began taking on more engagements again.
From Kate’s evolving brunette shades and polished, practical style to William’s increasingly Windsor profile, the changes are subtle until you see them year by year. Take a look at photos from their 2005 St. Andrew’s graduation through 2025 to see just how much — and how little — has shifted over the last 21 years.
A version of this article was originally published in 2021.
Celebrating Queen Elizabeth (2026)
Image Credit: Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images
On April 21, Kate and William were full of smiles while attending a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Easter Sunday (2026)
Image Credit: Ben Montgomery/Getty Images
It’s not every day we see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s whole family out and about, but they treated us to an outing on Easter Sunday in April 2026.
Princess Charlotte walked alongside Kate, Prince George, Prince Louis, and William as the family headed to a church service with other members of the royal family.
Northern Ireland Visit (2025)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.
In January, Kate released an update confirming she was in remission. While royal fans were thrilled with the good news, Kate made sure not to do too much, too fast. Her first appearances after the announcement were limited, including a brief outing at Windsor and a small number of summer events meant to reintroduce her to public duties at a careful pace. Later in the year, she started traveling a bit more, like during this visit to Northern Ireland in October.
UK Hosts President Trump And First Lady Melania Trump For State Visit (2025)
Image Credit: Getty Images
As Kate eased back into public life, she and William increased their schedule with events linked to their long-standing priorities, including early-years programs and environmental initiatives. Their joint visits throughout the year reflected the larger part they now play within the working royal family, including events like the U.S. State Visit in September.
Trooping The Colour (2024)
Image Credit: Getty Images
In March, Kate shared a video message announcing her cancer diagnosis and confirming she would pause public duties during treatment. She remained out of the public eye for several months, returning in June for Trooping the Colour, where she joined the carriage procession and stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony in her first appearance since the announcement.
Future King & Queen (2023)
Image Credit: Phil Noble – WPA Pool/Getty Images
At the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, the Prince and Princess of Wales stood tall in matching coronation cloaks as they walked down Westminster Abbey. A future King and Queen in the making!
Meeting Loyal Royal Fans (2023)
Image Credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage.
During their April 20 visit to meet future creative leaders and celebrate the city’s diverse culture, William and Kate stepped around to meet so many loyal royal fans!
EE BAFTA Film Awards (2023)
Image Credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images.
William and Kate made headlines for not only their gorgeous black-and-white looks, but their rare PDA throughout.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Royal Film Performance (2022)
Image Credit: Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images.
Kate and William attended the Top Gun: Maverick Royal Film Performance with their pal Tom Cruise.
Wimbledon (2022)
Image Credit: Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images.
Kate and William were having the time of their lives at the Men’s Singles Quarter Final match on day nine of The Championships Wimbledon 2022.
Earthshot Prize Awards (2022)
Image Credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage.
These two looked so gorgeous together, with Kate stealing the show in Princess Diana’s jewels.
Royal Albert Hall (2021)
Image Credit: Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Kate Middleton continued her run of excellent royal fashion with this emerald-green Jenny Packham dress at the 2021 Royal Variety Show.
The Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony (2021)
Image Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Appropriately for this ceremony celebrating environmental achievements, Kate wore a recycled lavender Alexander McQueen gown from 2011, first worn to the BAFTAs, and it was no less stunning a decade later.
‘No Time to Die’ Premiere (2021)
Image Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty Images
Kate was an absolute vision in glittering gold at the new James Bond premiere in 2021.
Christmas Concert (2020)
Image Credit: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images
After a long year of lockdowns, William and Kate took kids George, Charlotte, and Louis out for a special holiday performance at London’s Palladium Theatre.
BAFTAs (2020)
Image Credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage.
Kate and William were in high glamour mode at the 2020 BAFTAs as tensions were running high with Meghan and Harry.
Christmas Day Church Service (2019)
Image Credit: Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry famously decided to sit out this church service in 2019, but Kate and William showed up with Charlotte and George in tow.
BAFTAs (2019)
Image Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty Images
Kate is absollutely dazzling in this white one-shoulder gown at the 2019 BAFTAs.
Christmas Day Church Service (2018)
Image Credit: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty Images
In one of the most-photographed church services in recent royals history, Harry and Meghan walked side by side with Kate and William in their full capacity as royals — and for the fashion on display alone, the media had a field day.
Trooping The Colour (2018)
Image Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
In 2018, Charlotte is once again mom’s mini-me, this time in blue, and Kate’s hats are getting more eye-catching every year.
Prince Louis’ Christening (2018)
Image Credit: Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Everyone arrived for Prince Louis’ christening at St James’s Palace on July 09, 2018.
Prince Louis’ Birth (2018)
Image Credit: Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
Kate and William proudly showed off their newborn son Prince Louis at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital on April 23, 2018.
Christmas Day Church Service (2017)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Welcome to the family, Meghan! In a surprising breach of protocol, Meghan was permitted to walk with the royals on their walk in Sandringham though she was only Harry’s fiancée, not his bride, at the time.
Trooping the Colour (2017)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Kate once again decided to match dresses with her little girl at this year’s celebration — and George started feeling out the crowd.
BAFTAs (2017)
Image Credit: Daniel Leal-Olivas- WPA Pool/Getty Images
We are in love with this off-the-shoulder look on Kate.
Christmas Party for Volunteers at the Mix Youth Service (2016)
Image Credit: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Back in 2016, Harry, William, and Kate attended a Christmas party for volunteers at The Mix youth service.
Royal Ascot (2016)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
All eyes were on the fashionable Kate and William at the 2016 Royal Ascot.
Trooping The Colour (2016)
Image Credit: Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images
You’ll notice Kate has two tots in tow by 2016! That’s young charlotte matching with her mom’s pale pink hat.
Christmas Day Church Service (2015)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
It’s a rainy day at this year’s Christmas service, but Kate will always have William to hold her umbrella.
‘Spectre’ Premiere (2015)
Image Credit: P.Lehman/Future Publishing via GC Images via Getty Images
Kate and William were the envy of every James Bond fan at the world premiere for Spectre in 2015.
Princess Charlotte’s Christening (2015)
Image Credit: Matt Dunham – WPA Pool /Getty Images
Kate and William had their two kids ready for baby Princess Charlotte’s christening.
Princess Charlotte’s Birth (2015)
Image Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage via Getty Images
On May 2, 2015, Kate and William proudly showed off their baby girl, Princess Charlotte.
Christmas Day Church Service (2014)
Image Credit: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Kate and William leave St. Mary Magdalene Church laughing together here just a year after welcoming baby George.
Trooping the Colour (2014)
Image Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
This picture of young Kate and William pulls at our heartstrings for so many reasons.
Prince George’s First Birthday (2014)
Image Credit: John Stillwell – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Parents Kate and William were beaming at Prince George’s first birthday.
Prince George’s Christening (2013)
Image Credit: John Stillwell – WPA Pool /Getty Images
Kate and William were beaming at Prince George’s christening on October 23, 2013.
Prince George’s Birth (2013)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Kate and William looked so happy as they showed off their newborn son Prince George.
Trooping the Colour (2013)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Pretty in pink! Kate’s pregnant with Prince George in this pic from the Queen’s annual celebration.
St Patrick’s Day Parade (2013)
Image Credit: Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Remember when Kate and William attended the St Patrick’s Day parade in 2013?
Trooping the Colour (2012)
Image Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
This year’s Trooping the Colour celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, and came just a year after Kate and William had tied the knot.
Christmas Day Church Service (2011)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Just a few months after she married Prince William, Kate walked with the royals for their Christmas Day tradition for the first time.
University of St Andrews Visit (2011)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Back to where it all began, nearly a decade later.
Wedding Day (2011)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Kate and William married in that iconic wedding on April 29, 2011
Wedding Day (2011)
Image Credit: John Stillwell – WPA/Getty Images
And they kissed, which made everyone swoon!
BAFTAs (2011)
Image Credit: Valerie Macon – Pool/Getty Images
Kate and William made sure the show was a must-watch event at their first-ever BAFTAs in 2011.
Royal Engagement (2010)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
In late 2010, William finally popped the question — and the giddy couple recorded a video sharing the news with the world.
Harry Meade & Rosie Bradford Wedding (2010)
Image Credit: Indigo/Getty Images
At one of their last appearances together before William proposed, he and Kate showed up to Harry Meade and Rosie Bradford’s October wedding in Gloucestershire, their first joint appearance since July and one of the first where they arrived together and didn’t attempt to avoid photographers.
Christmas Gala (2010)
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Before they were attending the annual royal church service for Christmas together, Kate and William went to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular gala in 2010 as boyfriend and girlfriend.
Budding Philanthropists (2009)
Image Credit: Indigo/Getty Images
While William was still dragging his feet about proposing, Kate threw herself into charity work, perhaps proving herself fit for future royal engagements: Here in 2009, she’s seen attending the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco, a fund raising event in aid of the Children’s Hospital in Oxford, while William gives a speech to supporters of homeless youth charity Centrepoint the same year.
Skiing Holiday (2008)
Image Credit: Indigo/Getty Images
Back in 2008, William and Kate went on a skiing holiday on March 19, 2008.
Prince William Becomes an RAF Pilot (2008)
Image Credit: Julien Behal – WPA Pool / Getty Images
In April 2008, William received his RAF Wings from then-Prince Charles, formally becoming an RAF pilot — and Kate was by his side to mark the moment.
Eton College (2006)
Image Credit: Indigo/Getty Images
William kissed Kate after his game, being much more open about PDA back then.
Graduating University (2005)
Image Credit: MICHAEL DUNLEA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
In 2005, both Kate and William graduated from St. Andrews University — just two youngsters with the whole world ahead of them.