STRONGER THAN EVER POST-MEGXIT

In the wake of family drama, Kate Middleton and Prince William reevaluate their relationship

It was her second appearance, and the second country she’d been in, in as many days. But Kate Middleton couldn’t wipe the smile off her face during a solo outing to The Ark Open Farm in Northern Ireland on Feb. 12. The animal-filled visit, followed by a same- day stop in Scotland, acted as a teaser of the fun to come for the duchess, 38, when she and husband Prince William, 37, embark on a quick tour of the Emerald Isle in March. “The Cambridges are busier than ever since Prince Harry and

Meghan Markle left the U.K.,” notes a royals insider. “But they’re working as a team and supporting each other.”

Indeed, while William and Kate’s hectic schedules post-megxit could’ve put extra strain on their eight- year mar r iage, it’s done the opposite. “They’re actually closer than ever,” the insider reveals to Life & Style, adding that distance from the Sussexes has relieved a lot of unnecessary tension brought on by the couples’ feud. “It’s made both Kate and William realize how lucky they are to have each other to rely on.”

A UNITED FRONT

They’ve come a long way. Just two months ago, Kate caused a stir online when she noticeably pul led away from William’s embrace while filming a BBC Christmas special. Viewers were shocked, with many believing it was fallout from the rumors that he’d cheated with her friend Rose Hanbury, 35, back in early 2019. As they spend more time in the public eye following Harry and Meghan’s departure as senior royals and move to Canada, though, Kate’s been spotted caressing her hubby’s shoulder and engaging in other PDA.

And they’re even more harmonious at home. “When Kate feels exhausted,” the insider says, “William will look after their three kids or massage her shoulders, little things like that. He appreciates the effort she’s making not only with him, but with his family. Now more than ever, William says he couldn’t survive without her!”