If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or X lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines. They’re everywhere. "Is Prince William getting divorced?" "Is the Princess of Wales living in a separate house?" It’s the kind of gossip that spreads like wildfire because, honestly, the British Royal Family is the world’s longest-running soap opera.
But let’s look at the actual facts of 2026.
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Just a few days ago, on January 8, 2026, William and Kate stepped out together for their first joint engagement of the year at Charing Cross Hospital in London. They weren't just standing near each other for a photo op. Witnesses described them as "loved-up," and at one point, Kate reached out to touch William’s arm while talking about her cancer journey, saying, "We know," referring to the struggle of long hospital stays.
The rumors are loud. The reality? It’s a bit more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no."
Why the Divorce Rumors Won't Die
The internet loves a conspiracy. Recently, a video went viral showing William, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte arriving at Kensington Palace with overnight bags. Some "royal watchers" immediately jumped to the conclusion that they were co-parenting and that Kate was living elsewhere.
There is zero evidence for this.
In fact, the family just moved into a new "forever home" called Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park in late 2025. This eight-bedroom Georgian mansion is where they’ve settled to find some peace after what William called the "hardest year" of his life. You don’t move your entire family into a permanent home if you’re planning to sign divorce papers two months later.
The "Separate Lives" Narrative
One reason people keep asking if Prince William is getting divorced is because they are seeing less of the couple together. But there’s a logical reason for that.
Kate is in remission. She’s being incredibly selective about her workload in 2026. According to royal author Robert Jobson, the days of her "just powering through" are over. She’s doing about 60 to 70 engagements a year now, compared to the hundreds done by King Charles.
William, meanwhile, is stepping up. He’s doing more solo foreign trips to support his father, who is also managing his health. When William goes to New York or Singapore alone, the tabloids scream "Separation!" In reality, it’s just a job requirement.
What about the "Separate Bedrooms" Gossip?
There have been reports from outlets like The Mirror claiming the couple hasn't shared a bedroom in years. This is a classic royal trope. Historically, many royal couples—including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip—had separate, connecting bedrooms.
However, William himself basically debunked this in a moment of accidental "overshare." During a visit to Duchy College, he mentioned that their black cocker spaniel, Orla, sleeps on the bed with both of them.
The Trauma of the Past
We have to remember who William is. He watched the "War of the Waleses" between his parents, Charles and Diana, play out on the front pages of every newspaper in the world. He lived through the traumatic divorce.
In an interview with Eugene Levy on The Reluctant Traveler, William was surprisingly candid. He hinted that he has no intention of repeating his parents' mistakes. He is fiercely protective of his children’s stability. For William, divorce isn't just a personal failure; it’s a direct threat to the institution he’s spent his whole life preparing to lead.
Signs of a "Rekindled" Connection
Royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner, who has watched the couple for years, noted that while they’ve had "outbursts" and "ups and downs" like any couple, Kate’s cancer diagnosis actually seemed to bring them closer.
Adversity does one of two things: it breaks you, or it bonds you.
When they appeared at the 80th anniversary of VE Day or the 2025 Christmas Carol service, the body language was different. It was less "formal duty" and more "mutual support." Even the way Kate introduced him at the hospital recently—calling him simply "William" instead of using his titles—shows a level of domestic comfort that doesn't track with a couple on the brink of a legal split.
The Verdict on the Marriage
Is everything perfect? Probably not. They live in a fishbowl. They have a massive amount of pressure on their shoulders. And yes, they are spending some time apart as Kate focuses on her recovery and William focuses on his transition to the throne.
But "living separate lives" for work is not the same as getting a divorce.
If you're looking for the "actionable" takeaway here, it's this: ignore the 15-second TikTok clips of "awkward moments" from 2019 that are being recirculated as new. Look at the current 2026 schedule. The couple is heading to Scotland together on January 20 to visit the National Curling Academy. They are moving forward as a unit, even if that unit looks a little more private than it used to.
Next Steps for Following the Story:
- Watch the Scotland Visit: Pay attention to the joint engagement on January 20; joint travel is usually a strong indicator of the "official" status of the marriage.
- Check the Circular: If you want the truth without the tabloid spin, look at the Court Circular, which lists official royal duties. If they are listed as "Joint Patrons," they are working as a team.
- Monitor Forest Lodge: The fact that they have designated this as their "forever home"—even after William becomes King—is the strongest signal of long-term stability we've seen in decades.