When Kate Middleton celebrated her 43rd birthday on January 9, her husband Prince William wrote a tender message and shared it on the couple’s public Instagram account. According to royal expert Ingrid Seward of Majesty magazine, the display of affection was a sign that the couple has grown closer following Kate's cancer diagnosis in early 2024.

Kate Middleton and Prince William are "more open" and "talk about their relationship together" amid her cancer journey, a source tells PEOPLE.

A source close to the royal family commented on the pair's marriage following Middleton's latest health update.

"They are able to express themselves in a way they would never have done before." Kate Middleton and Prince William both had a tough 2024, with the Princess of Wales going through cancer and completing chemotherapy,