The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have weathered a challenging year that would test any strong marriage. However, with Kate, 43, now in remission following her devastating cancer diagnosis last year and slowly resuming her Royal duties, things are definitely looking up for her and husband Prince William, 42, who has been her unwavering support. Today they are celebrating a joyous milestone in their stronger-than-ever relationship - 14 years of wedded bliss with a two-day trip to the breathtaking Isle of Mull, where they will stay in a self-catering cottage and fulfil a series of engagements. In recent years, they've also had to navigate the repercussions of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's dramatic departure from their Royal roles, as well as adjusting to their growing responsibilities as Prince and Princess of Wales following the passing of the late Queen. They also have to expertly juggle this with raising their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - and being hands-on parents doing the school run and shuttling the youngsters to their various activities and after-school sports clubs. Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond has delved inside their marriage to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes their bond so special. And she exclusively unveils precisely what has enabled them to steer through turbulent times - and now seem to be even stronger than before. She shares: "Their first anniversary after Catherine's official remission has to be that extra bit special. Every milestone takes them that little bit further away from the dreadful day when she was diagnosed with cancer. After his mother died, William said he knew it would make or break him and he refused to let it break him", reports the Mirror. "I think they have both taken a similar attitude to dealing with the brutal year they have just endured. Their marriage is, I think, even stronger than before, and it was already a roaring success. I think they like each other. A lot. And that's a whole different thing to loving one another -which, incidentally, they also do. A lot. "What makes it work? I think theirs is a pretty equal partnership. William is a much more hands-on dad than his father or grandfather. And I don't think Catherine would let him get away with anything less. "They operate as a partnership and they have such a deep understanding of one another that they can communicate when they are out and about with just a look or a gesture. They seem sometimes to have private jokes that make them smile or nudge one another. "I do think that Catherine's parents and the King must be delighted that the marriage has worked out so well. It's important for the monarchy that it works, but, on a human level, it is so comforting for the Middletons and for the King to know that William and Catherine are such a strong unit and seem able to deal with pretty much anything that life throws at them." Kate and William's love story spans more than 14 years, dating back to 2001 when they first crossed paths as students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. As freshers, they both resided on campus in St Salvator's hall of residence, before eventually sharing a two-storey house with friends. It was during this period that the duo fell for each other, with many attributing the slow burn of their early romance as the secret to their lasting relationship. However, their journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. In 2007, post their graduation from university, the couple briefly parted ways as William embarked on Army training and Kate began her career as a buyer at fashion chain Jigsaw, taking time to figure out what they truly wanted from life. Their separation, however, was short-lived. Just months after news broke that they had called it quits, they rekindled their romance, leading some to believe that the split only reinforced their genuine feelings for one another. At the time of their engagement, even Kate confided that while she "wasn’t very happy about it", she believes the experience made her a "stronger person". "You know, over the years William has looked after me, he's treated me very well – as the loving boyfriend he is, he is very supportive of me through the good times and through the bad times". After their lavish wedding at Westminster Abbey, Kate embarked on her Royal duties which included high-profile public engagements, prestigious state events and sometimes exhausting overseas tours. In the early days of their marriage, the couple kept PDA to a minimum, despite Kate once mentioning how "hugs were important". However, 14 years later, their joint outings often include tender touches, loving looks and even sweet hand-holding. Last year, the couple showcased their affectionate side in a deeply personal video announcing the end of Kate's cancer treatment, featuring William lovingly embracing his wife on the beach and planting a kiss on her. Earlier this year, they also shared a clip on their social media accounts showing them walking hand-in-hand through a railway station, ready to catch the train home after a busy day of engagements in Wales. Jennie commented on their relationship, saying: "I think this gives us all the chance to see first-hand that theirs is a true love match, built on the strongest of all foundations: friendship and the shared experience of university life. "Cancer must make you realise that life is short and is for living and loving. If they feel like touching or holding hands when they are in public, then why the hell not? I think everyone loves to see how strong their marriage is, and even more so after the trauma of the past year or so." Another thing they can also count on, especially during their public life, is their shared cheeky sense of humour and competitive nature. Kate is often seen laughing at her husband's witty quips with the pair regularly heard gently teasing each other. At the recent Six Nations rugby match between Wales and England in Cardiff, which the Royal couple attended, their mischievous facial expressions were on show for all to see as they cheered on their opposing teams. On their 14th wedding anniversary today, they will spend the day carrying out engagements on the Isle of Mull. But even if celebrations are muted, Jennie predicts Kate could still be in store for a special gift. She explains: "Traditionally ivory was the gift for the 14th wedding anniversary but obviously that's illegal these days. Instead, people sometimes take an elephant theme - and that would be very much in keeping with William's conservation work with the elephant trust Tusk. And, since ivory was banned, people have also chosen gold to replace it on the 14th anniversary. So maybe a beautiful golden elephant necklace or pair of elephant earrings might do the job!" As their marriage continues, Kate and William are bound to face more challenges. One immediate decision they need to make is about the schooling of their eldest child, Prince George, who turns 13 next year. In addition to this, they have other important duties such as their charity work. This includes William's ambitious Homewards project aimed at ending homelessness, and Kate's focus on the importance of early childhood development. Not to mention, William's increasing responsibilities as the future king. He recently represented his father at Pope Francis' funeral. Jennie explains: "It's all very well thinking that Catherine has hit the jackpot by marrying a prince and future king. But becoming a senior royal and one day Queen is a truly extraordinary role to take on and could be a lonely and bewildering one. William, I think, has helped her grow into the role, and I think he is forever grateful that she has been willing to take it on and to give him three gorgeous children whom they both adore and the security of a happy family life which he, sadly, never knew." However, another significant challenge awaits them - ascending to the throne as King and Queen. William has always known that he would one day become the head of state, and Kate's destiny was sealed 14 years ago on their wedding day. The cancer diagnosis of William's father, King Charles, and his ongoing treatment will no doubt also play on their minds and what this could mean for the future. But Jennie adds: "Together they are facing the challenge of becoming King and Queen, possibly rather earlier than anticipated, given the King’s cancer. That must weigh heavily on them, but, together, they are strong."