Prince William and Kate Middleton break tradition with never before seen wedding anniversary photo

The Prince and Princess of Wales have stepped away from tradition after sharing an adorable and never-before-seen photograph to mark their 15th wedding anniversary.

Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot at Westminster Abbey on 29 April, 2011, with an estimated two billion people worldwide watching the special celebrations.

In the years since, the couple have gone on to have three children together - Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10 and Prince Louis, eight - as well as navigating a number of challenges, including family tensions as well as Kate's health battle with cancer, which was announced in 2024.

The family are known for sharing photographs to mark special occasions. For example, Kate and William shared a snap of Prince Louis earlier this week, to mark his eighth birthday.

However, to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary this year, the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped away from tradition and opted for a candid family photo taken on a recent holiday, rather than a portrait of themselves, which they often share for anniversary posts.

For example, for their anniversary last year, the couple shared an intimate photo taken during their trip to the Isle of Mull. Meanwhile, the year before, Kate and Will posted a black and white image from their wedding day in 2011, taken by photographer Millie Pilkington.

This year, it seems the pair were focused entirely on family, sharing a beautiful snap from a recent trip to Cornwall.

The image was taken by one of the family's regular photographers, Matt Porteous, and shows Kate, Will and the children lying down on the grass and holding hands, with their two spaniels also present.

"Celebrating 15 years of marriage," the caption read, alongside a red heart emoji.

Followers were quick to praise the royals for opting for a family photo this year, with one writing in the comments: "Beautiful family, a photo that perfectly conveys the love, resilience, trust, and complicity that William and Catherine have built over these 15 years. Happy Anniversary."

While another said: "A beautiful photo! Happy wedding anniversary to the Prince and Princess of Wales."

And a third added: "What a beautiful picture!! We can feel your happiness! Thank you for this wonderful surprise. I want to wish you two a very happy 15th wedding anniversary!"

And a fourth said: "Stunning photo. Happiest Anniversary."