Despite presenting a united front and enduring over a decade of public life together, Prince William and Kate Middleton continue to face whispers of separation. Now, a royal protocol expert has shed light on what might actually happen if the seemingly unshakable couple ever went their separate ways—and some of the revelations are surprising.

Marriage Under the Microscope

Prince William and Kate, who tied the knot in a globally televised ceremony in 2011, are parents to three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Over the years, they’ve weathered intense scrutiny, including tabloid rumors of infidelity and, more recently, Kate’s serious health battles.

Still, the public continues to speculate: What if they were to separate?

Expert Insight: How a Royal Split Would Actually Play Out

Royal protocol expert María José Gómez Verdú recently spoke out about what such a breakup could mean—and her answers challenge assumptions.

“Unlike the explosive fallout from King Charles III and Princess Diana’s divorce, a separation between William and Kate would be handled very differently,” she explained.

“The institutional, legal, and social context has evolved considerably. The monarchy has learned from past mistakes.”

Custody of the Children: It’s Complicated

One of the most striking revelations? Legal custody wouldn’t solely rest with the parents. While William and Kate would likely share legal custody, the reigning monarch—currently King Charles—would have the final say on decisions regarding the children’s upbringing.

This rarely discussed constitutional rule underscores the unique tension between royal family life and duty to the Crown.

Kate’s Role: Still Royal, Even Without the Title?

Even if she were no longer a working royal, Kate Middleton’s public role wouldn’t simply vanish.

As the mother of a future king, her image would remain central to the monarchy’s public narrative. According to Verdú, the Palace would work meticulously to protect Kate’s reputation and ensure her continued visibility—likely out of both respect and strategy.

“Kate would remain a symbol of stability,” Verdú noted. “The monarchy wouldn’t risk the kind of public backlash it faced after Diana.”

A Modern Monarchy, a Modern Response

Unlike the turbulent 1990s, today’s royal family is hyper-aware of public perception. Any potential separation would be managed with careful choreography, aimed at avoiding scandal and maintaining institutional credibility.

The Palace’s modern media strategy would likely emphasize dignity, co-parenting, and continuity, rather than allowing personal drama to dominate headlines.