Support System William was "a great source of comfort and reassurance" during the "huge shock" of her cancer battle, Kate shared in 2024.

But on Feb. 14, Prince William and Princess Kate did something different: They posted a photograph showing him planting a kiss on her smiling face on their official Instagram page to mark Valentine's Day, complete with a red heart emoji.

More than 23 years after meeting as college students in Scotland - and nearly 14 years after their royal wedding - Britain's future king and queen are in a new era.

Plagued By Rumors Despite his reported denial of an affair, William still had to rebuild Kate's trust after he was accused of getting too friendly with neighbor Rose, says a source: "It took time."

"William and Kate are being more transparent with the public. Their relationship isn't as off-limits as it once was. Their social media post proves they're opening up more to the world," says a royals source, explaining that the shift is rooted in a growing openness "with each other."

Following what William, 42, has admitted was a "brutal" year - both Kate, 43, and his father, King Charles III, 76, were diagnosed with cancer in early 2024 - they've emerged "stronger and closer and thankful for every second they have together," reveals the source. Learning that Kate is now in remission, which she announced publicly in January, has marked "a new beginning" for the couple, adds the source. "They'll never take each other for granted again."