While growing a beard may have resulted in tears from daughter Charlotte, Prince William’s rugged new look has not only been hailed by fans, but Kate Middleton has apparently been enjoying her husband’s glow-up, too.

After a lip reader claimed that Kate, 42, joked that she finds William’s beard ‘quite rousing’ during a conversation with Sophie Wessex, Duchess of Edinburgh, on Remembrance Sunday, a source tells heat that the pair are taking steps to keep the spark alive in their 13-year marriage.

‘you’re not worried about stubble rash?’ ©James Veysey/Shutterstock

‘They’re making a serious effort to carve out more quality time together, and it’s clear they’re loving every minute of it,’ we’re told. ‘They are usually homebodies, but they’re now talking about stepping out more often and going for nights at private members’ clubs with friends like they used to. But it’s not just about nights out, the simple, cosy nights in – where they cook a nice meal and cuddle on the couch with a movie – are what they enjoy most.

‘They’re planning to send the kids off for playdates with friends, so that they can have some much-needed “mum and dad” time at home. Their bond is stronger than ever, and it’s clear their relationship is in a very good place right now. Kate has even been gushing about how handsome William looks with his beard. It reminds her of the days when he was training with the Royal Navy when they were younger, so it definitely brings back fond memories.’

Wills, 42, and Kate – who first started dating back in 2001 after meeting at St Andrews University – had a difficult 2024. Not only because of the ongoing tension between the Prince of Wales and his younger brother Prince Harry, but also as a result of both King Charles’ and Kate’s cancer diagnoses, which were revealed in February and March respectively.

pre-marriage and kids in 2008 ©getty images

The princess spent months having ‘preventative chemotherapy’ and following her all-clear in September, the parents of George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, are looking forward to making more time for each other in 2025.

Our insider continues, ‘It’s been over two decades since these two started dating and, like any couple, things between them have ebbed and flowed, especially on the romance front. With all their responsibilities – both as members of the royal family, and as parents – their relationship often took a back seat. But after Kate’s cancer battle and the very real threat of losing her, William has realised how fleeting life is and he’s very keen to shower his wife with love and appreciation.’

After previously shying away from PDAs during official visits, fans have relished the couple’s recent tender moments in public – including on 9 November, when William sweetly placed a guiding hand on Kate’s back as they arrived at the Festival of Remembrance in Kensington for one of Kate’s first public outings since her treatment ended.

their family has never been closer ©Will Warr/Shutterstock

And, it turns out that Prince William is actually a pretty romantic guy. ‘He’s planning some wonderful trips for them, like little getaways to Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly, and even just countryside drives where they take a picnic along and spend quality time making memories together,’ our source explains. ‘He’s also talked about sneaking in a little visit to Scotland together, to wander around the town where they first met at university, so they can enjoy a romantic walk down memory lane.

‘Those were some of their happiest times and they’re both reflecting a lot on the past these days. They’re both in a really good headspace and feeling like they have a second chance at everything – that’s had a huge impact on what they’re prioritising.’

The source concludes, ‘Their duties to the Crown are still front and centre, and of course their kids, but they’re also really putting energy into their marriage again. They’re not just going through the motions – the spark is well and truly back, and William’s all about nurturing it.’

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