Prince William and Kate Middleton have been together for decades, with only a brief split during their early years at St Andrews University. Now, as the heirs to the throne, they’ve built a life together, raising their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. However, Kate’s journey to motherhood wasn’t without its challenges.

Speculation has swirled for years about whether the royal couple might expand their family. While they haven’t directly addressed the rumors, Kate did drop a hint in 2023 about what might come next. Meanwhile, royal expert Tom Quinn suggests in his new book that the Wales household might already have a fourth child—just not in the way people might expect.

A Love That Has Endured Challenges

Since meeting at university, William and Kate have built a life together, navigating both the highs and lows of royal life. Over the past year, Kate’s health struggles have made things particularly difficult. William himself has admitted that the past 12 months—marked by her cancer diagnosis and treatment—have been their hardest yet.

Thankfully, Kate is now cancer-free, and the support from royal fans worldwide has been overwhelming. Her family, particularly her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, have played a vital role in helping care for their grandchildren while William has taken on more responsibilities at home.

Despite these challenges, royal expert Hilary Fordwich believes their bond has only grown stronger. Speaking to Fox News, she noted how their public displays of affection are not just for the cameras.

“There have been multiple instances where their affection is reminiscent of two teenagers in love, which of course they were initially, well in their early 20s,” Fordwich said. “Their comfort level with one another has never decreased, but rather increased as a result of the strong bonds they formed at university.”

Kate’s Honest Reflections on Pregnancy

Kate has been open about her experiences with pregnancy, revealing that she struggled with severe morning sickness during each of her pregnancies. In an interview with Giovanna Fletcher, she admitted:

“When I was really sick, I really saw the power of it, the meditation and deep breathing and things like that, that they teach you in hypnobirthing,” she shared. “I’m not the happiest pregnant person because I had terrible morning sickness.”

When asked if she experienced it with all three children, she confirmed: “Unfortunately, yes.”

Kate also acknowledged the toll pregnancy takes not just on the mother but on the entire family. Whether she and William will have a fourth child remains to be seen, but Tom Quinn’s book suggests they may already have an honorary fourth child in their home—William himself.

William’s Royal Routine and Kate’s Influence

In Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, Quinn describes how William’s hectic schedule means his clothes are carefully laid out and his daily routine is meticulously planned. He reportedly bathes at the same time each day, and if things don’t go according to plan, he can become frustrated.

Kate, having grown up in a more grounded environment, is said to help him stay level-headed. Quinn even quotes a royal insider as saying:

“She said he sometimes has to be treated as her fourth child.”