The secret to ‘naughty’ Kate and ‘dirty’ William’s marriage

Prince William and Princess Catherine have endured a difficult couple of years but there’s one thing that keeps the couple’s 13-year marriage going strong.

A royal expert has revealed that it’s the “playful” side of Prince William and Princess Catherine that’s keeping them together after 13 years of marriage and three children.

“William once described Kate’s sense of humour as ‘naughty’ and his own as ‘dirty,’ and claimed that it was one of the most important things that drew them together,” royal author Christopher Andersen told Fox News.

“They’ve certainly cleaned up their act for the children’s sake, but they can still make each other double over laughing.

Royal insiders have said that Prince William and Princess Catherine’s similar senses of humour have kept them together. Picture: Getty Images

“William and Kate have also passed their wacky, slapstick, Monty Python-meets-Benny Hill sense of humour on to the children,” Mr Andersen said.

“And like all parents of young children, William and Kate find themselves refereeing when the kids fight over the TV remote, or when the inevitable teasing that goes on between siblings turns into the equally inevitable wrestling match.”

The couple have a “competitive” relationship, Princess Catherine’s brother James Middleton has said. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Andersen’s comments came shortly after Princess Catherine’s brother, James Middleton, spoke on a British podcast about the couple’s “competitive” relationship.

“Competition runs in the royal blood. No one enjoyed a spirited contest more than the late Queen Elizabeth II, whether she was cheering on her horse at Ascot or watching a tug of war at the Highland Games,” Mr Andersen said.

Prince William arrives at the British Museum in London for the Centrepoint Awards on Wednesday local time. Picture: AFP

“Prince Philip was a world champion four-in-hand carriage driver and Princess Anne competed in equestrian events at the Olympics. And King Charles was such a passionate polo player he suffered countless injuries in the process.

“But the royals look like pikers compared to the Middletons, who taught Kate that winning was pretty much everything,” he said.

Prince William with Chief Executive of Centrepoint Seyi Obakin during the Centrepoint Awards at the British Museum in London. Picture: AFP

“William and Kate’s card games are so heated and all-consuming that William makes excuses to avoid being sucked in. But away from his win-at-all-costs Middleton in-laws, William has never shied away from going up against Kate in a contest.”

“The Prince and Princess of Wales have always been competitive about pretty much everything – foot races, swimming races, board games, card games, you name it,” he said.

Prince William talks to young people during the Centrepoint Awards at the British Museum in London. Picture: AFP

“Now this trait has been passed on to George, Charlotte and Louis – all of whom have been taught to give it their all. Unfortunately, this often leads to heated arguments about cheating and breaking the rules – which in turn leads to the occasional game board being tossed and pieces sent flying.”

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that, unlike Prince William, Princess Catherine grew up in “the most normal background,” which is something she has incorporated into her royal household.

“She was always used to chores,” said Fordwich.

Before their relationship strained, Prince William, Prince Harry and Princess Catherine were often spotted having a laugh together. Picture: Getty Images

“Her parents were busy building their Party Pieces business that her mother Carole Middleton founded. Young Kate was instrumental in developing party supplies specifically for babies and young children, so she knows the power of active, engaged children who learn responsibilities. Prince George is currently assigned to clean out their pet guinea pig’s cage.”

The royal couple have reportedly passed on their “Monty Python-style” humour to their three children. Picture: Supplied

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News that Prince William has been eager to also give his children a sense of normalcy behind palace doors.

“After his marriage to Catherine … William has done his utmost to make his life and that of his family as normal as possible,” he said.

KATE’S TOUCHING MESSAGE

Earlier this week, the princess shared a moving handwritten message to those grieving the loss of a child.

The mother-of-three said she was “sending love, strength and hope” to anyone who has felt the “devastation” of losing an infant as she marked Baby Loss Awareness Week.

In a message of support for those affected by the tragedy of losing a baby, Kensington Palace shared the Princess of Wales’s emotional note alongside an image of a candle.

Princess Catherine and Prince William during their visit to Southport Community Centre. Picture: Getty Images

The heartfelt post read: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is such an important moment to support those who have experienced the devastation of baby loss.

“Sending love, strength and hope to anyone affected. #WaveofLight C.”

Her message came with a photo of a glowing candle from British brand Plum & Ashby, which was stamped with a Wave of Light label connecting to the hashtag that closed her post.

The Princess of Wales has sent a message of support to those grieving the loss of a baby. Picture: Getty Images

Princess Catherine and Prince William are parents to Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, and have previously sent words of support on social media to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

In her first visit since finishing her chemotherapy treatment, the Princess of Wales made an unexpected appearance alongside her husband on a visit to Southport last week, where they held a private meeting with the bereaved families of three children killed in a knife attack in July.

Royal sources say she decided to join Prince William to show her “support, empathy and compassion to the local community”.