William & Kate Solid as A ROCK

How the Prince and Princess of Wales weathered multiple crises - and emerged stronger than ever

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A MARRIAGE STORY

"Like any couple over the years there have been some ups and downs," royal expert Amanda Foreman tells In Touch, adding that Kate and William's rough patch began with rumors of his affair with Rose Hanbury (right).

Year after year, the pictures look much the same. Prince William, in his traditional velvet robes and ostentatious plumed hat, always turns to catch his wife's eye as he marches into the annual Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Princess Kate always smiles widely, and occasionally even bursts out laughing, as he parades past. The pair always look so genuinely delighted to be there that some fans are convinced they share an inside joke about the ancient ritual, which certainly represents a major milestone. Kate was first invited in 2008, not long after they had reconnected after a brief split, and her attendance firmly established her as an important part of royal family's future. And this year's service on June 16 held even more meaning: Kate was making her triumphant (and giggly) return after skipping last year while she was battling cancer. “Catherine’s back,” royal expert Louise Roberts proclaimed on Sky News Australia, “and she’s very much the model of resilience and continuity within the royal family.”