Rumors of a marital turmoil between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may have actually helped the royal couple. This, according to a new report from Us Weekly.

In the magazine’s June 24 print issue, it is reported that Kate Middleton and Prince William used rumors he had been unfaithful with their friend Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, as a way to strengthen their marriage of eight years.

“The affair rumors turned out to be a good thing for them in the end,” a “Middleton family friend” told the tabloid. “It forced her and William to sit back and examine their relationship which they realized they should have been doing more often.”

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“They’d let their romantic connection cool a little in recent years,” added the source, “but they’ve learned that nothing should replace regular quality time together.”

As previously reported by the magazine, while William and Kate may have found the silver lining in the affair rumors, the Duchess isn’t thrilled their three children will be able to read about the father’s purported infidelity one day. “Kate finds the rumors hurtful, obviously, and hates the thought that one day her children will be able to read about them online,” said a source.

The rumors of a Prince William’s alleged affair with Hanbury began in April. Initial reports claimed the two had an affair while Middleton was pregnant with her and Prince William's third child, Prince Louis. As a result, Middleton was said to have removed Hanbury, a neighbor from their Norfolk home, from their friend group.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Pictured: Prince William and Middleton attend the Coach Core graduation ceremony for more than 150 Coach Core apprentices at The London Stadium on Oct. 18, 2017 in London. Getty Images/Chris Jackson
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