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Just over 14 years ago, Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey. Since saying “I do,” they’ve taken on every stage of royal life together. Pictures from Christmas services, Trooping the Colour, school outings, and royal tours highlight the ways they’ve evolved through the years.
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.
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.
Northern Ireland Visit (2025)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the Top Gun: Maverick Royal Film Performance with their pal Tom Cruise.
Wimbledon (2022)
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Kate Middleton and Prince 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)
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These two looked so gorgeous together, with Kate Middleton stealing the show in Princess Diana’s jewels.
Royal Albert Hall (2021)
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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)
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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)
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Kate Middleton was an absolute vision in glittering gold at the new James Bond premiere in 2021.
Christmas Concert (2020)
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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)
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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)
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Meghan Markle and Prince William famously decided to sit out this church service in 2019, but Kate and William showed up with Charlotte and George in tow.
BAFTAs (2019)
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Kate is absollutely dazzling in this white one-shoulder gown at the 2019 BAFTAs.
Christmas Day Church Service (2018)
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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)
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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)
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Everyone arrived for Prince Louis’ christening at St James’s Palace on July 09, 2018.
Prince Louis’ Birth (2018)
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Kate Middleton and Prince 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)
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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)
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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)
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We are in love with this off-the-shoulder look on Kate.
Christmas Party for Volunteers at the Mix Youth Service (2016)
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Back in 2016, Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate Middleton attended a Christmas party for volunteers at The Mix youth service.
Royal Ascot (2016)
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All eyes were on the fashionable Kate Middleton and Prince William.
Trooping The Colour (2016)
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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)
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It’s a rainy day at this year’s Christmas service, but Kate will always have William to hold her umbrella.
‘Spectre’ Premiere (2015)
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Kate and William were the envy of every James Bond fan at the world premiere for Spectre in 2015.
Princess Charlotte’s Christening (2015)
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Kate Middleton and Prince William had their two kids ready for baby Princess Charlotte’s christening.
Princess Charlotte’s Birth (2015)
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On May 2, 2015, Kate Middleton and Prince William proudly showed off their baby girl, Princess Charlotte.
Christmas Day Church Service (2014)
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Kate and William leave St. Mary Magdalene Church laughing together here just a year after welcoming baby George.
Trooping the Colour (2014)
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This picture of young Kate and William pulls at our heartstrings for so many reasons.
Prince George’s First Birthday (2014)
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Parents Kate Middleton and Prince William were beaming at Prince George’s first birthday.
Prince George’s Christening (2013)
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Kate Middleton and Prince William were beaming at Prince George’s christening on October 23, 2013.
Prince George’s Birth (2013)
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Kate Middleton and Prince William looked so happy as they showed off their newborn son Prince George.
Trooping the Colour (2013)
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Pretty in pink! Kate’s pregnant with Prince George in this pic from the Queen’s annual celebration.
St Patrick’s Day Parade (2013)
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Remember when Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the St Patrick’s Day parade in 2013?
Trooping the Colour (2012)
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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)
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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)
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Back to where it all began, nearly a decade later.
Wedding Day (2011)
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Kate Middleton and Prince William married in that iconic wedding on April 29, 2011.
Wedding Day (2011)
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And they kissed, which made everyone swoon!
BAFTAs (2011)
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Kate and William made sure the show was a must-watch event at their first-ever BAFTAs in 2011.
Royal Engagement (2010)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Back in 2008, Prince William and Kate Middleton went on a skiing holiday on March 19, 2008.
Prince William Becomes an RAF Pilot (2008)
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In April 2008, Prince William received his RAF Wings from then-Prince Charles, formally becoming an RAF pilot — and Kate Middleton was by his side to mark the moment.
Eton College (2006)
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Prince William kissed Kate Middleton after his game, being much more open about PDA back then.
Graduating University (2005)
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In 2005, both Kate and William graduated from St. Andrews University — just two youngsters with the whole world ahead of them.