Posting a candid behind-the-scenes photograph on their Instagram account last week, Prince William and Kate Middleton appeared stronger and more in love than ever, after what has been a turbulent 2022 for the couple.
And now, as their uncertain year draws to a close, the source reveals how they are keen to start the New Year and plan to add another baby to their family in 2023.
The insider says, “First and foremost, William and Kate both take the view that they’re totally blessed and fortunate to have three healthy and beautiful children who light up their lives and keep them incredibly occupied and busy in the best way possible.
“Parenthood and watching their children grow has surpassed all their wildest dreams and they have been dedicated to introducing them into life as senior Royals one day, while allowing them to have a wonderful childhood.
“They both love the idea of being a family of six and know that George, Charlotte and, eventually, little Louis will step up to the plate and help them if they’re lucky enough to have another brother or sister. Welcoming a fourth child to the mix is something they’ve always been open to, but this year they’ve had to prioritise their new positions and responsibilities. Now they think a baby will make their family unit even stronger.”
Thrust into the limelight more than ever amidst the Queen’s private battle with her health, Kate and William embarked on what critics called a “misguided” tour of the Caribbean in March.
However, in June, Kate and William and their children –Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven and four-year-old Prince Louis – captured the hearts of the nation at the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, which saw parents worldwide praise Kate as a “normal” mother when mischievous Prince Louis was photographed covering her mouth.
Yet just three months on, the Royal Family suffered an extreme low when the sudden death of the Queen was announced, forcing Kate and William to swiftly step up into their new roles as the Prince of Wales and Heir Apparent, and the Princess of Wales – a loaded title which was last held by the late Princess Diana.
And while they have thrived in their new positions within The Firm, attending several Royal functions and proving a huge success in the US when they hosted the Earthshot Prize earlier this month, William and Kate, both 40, are still walking on eggshells when it comes to their ongoing feud with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Earlier this month, the Sussexes’ highly-anticipated Netflix documentary was released and, while the series focused on Meghan and Harry’s own experience, it also included scathing comments about the Royals.
Harry, 38, refers to the “pain and suffering of women marrying into this institution”, while a picture of Kate, Queen Camilla and Sophie Wessex is flashed up on screen. Meghan, 41, also revealed how she had tried to hug Kate on their first meeting, but then realised that “Brits” find affection “jarring”– hinting at a frosty reception.
While it was believed that the Queen’s passing would trigger a ceasefire on the three-year rift between the Sussexes and the Royal Family, which started when the couple stepped down from Royal duties and moved to the States, dubbed “Megxit”, Harry and Meghan – who claimed that there was racism within the Royal Family in their bombshell Oprah interview – made it clear in their acceptance speech for the Ripple of Hope humanitarian award last week that it was just the “beginning” of their fight for justice.
However, Kate and William have remained steadfast throughout Harry and Meghan’s damaging allegations, and now sources say that if the past year has taught them anything, it’s that their children are what make all of their hard work worthwhile, and keep them grounded throughout the storm of public life.
They add, “William and Kate have been back and forth about having a fourth child for a very long time. But lately the mood has changed, they’ve been talking it over in more detail and both of them are keen to make it happen next year.
“Kate and William are trying not to put too much pressure on the situation and want to take a fairly relaxed approach, but she’d love to get pregnant again as soon as possible and to welcome a new addition at some point in 2023.”
Kate has always been open about her love of children and babies, and their social media channels are full of pictures of Kate beaming and at her happiest when she is greeted and surrounded by young children.
As well as her role within the Royal Family, Kate has also revealed she’s very hands-on at home, with either her or William dropping the children at school in the mornings whenever they can.
Despite their close bond, Kate missed the Queen’s last moments as she stayed in Windsor with George, Charlotte and Louis, who also undoubtedly suffered huge upset when news emerged of their beloved great grandmother’s death.
Alongside home-schooling during the pandemic, Kate – who also focuses on Early Years as one of her Royal causes – revealed to Mary Berry in 2019 that she bakes all of her children’s birthday cakes each year.
During a visit to a Glasgow school in May, William joked, “Can you get my wife out of here before she gets broody?”, while Kate later greeted a four-month-old tot at Newmarket Races, telling his mum, “I love babies”.
Now, the source adds, “The senior Royals are quietly aware of their plan and are just thrilled at the prospect. There’s nothing more wonderful than a baby to put everyone in a good mood and feel warm and fuzzy about the future.
“It’s everyone’s biggest hope that Kate will be lucky enough to fall pregnant, add to their beautiful family and warm
the hearts of everybody in the process.”