Fifteen years after announcing their royal engagement, the Prince and Princess of Wales are leaning on each other in ways that feel deeper — and more visible — than ever before.

November 16 marks a milestone for William and Kate, one that carries extra emotional weight this year. The past few years have challenged them in profoundly public and deeply private ways, yet the couple has emerged steadier, closer and more bonded than at any point in their marriage.

Just last year, William admitted it had been “the hardest year of my life,” as both Kate and King Charles faced cancer diagnoses. Through Kate’s health journey and their fierce dedication to protecting Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, their partnership — both as spouses and as parents — has intensified.

And that closeness shows.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told PEOPLE that William now appears more openly affectionate, saying, “William must feel so fortunate that Kate has come through this that he wants to tell the world about that love. It shows the intimacy of them sharing that journey together.”

“They’re happy for people to see them being touchy-feely,” Seward added. “They’re in a different phase of their life now. William is very protective and very proud of her.”

A royal source echoes the sentiment, noting the couple is “more open” and “talk about their relationship together” in ways they once kept entirely private.