Even among those in the room, few would have noticed.
After a rare public speech from the Princess of Wales for World Mental Health Day in Birmingham this month, cameras panned around to see her husband applauding heartily in the audience.
They also noticed something else: the discreet way in which William, with a minimum of fuss, moved Kate’s chair just enough to allow her to sit down again easily.
With most eyes on the stage, this was a routine so well-oiled as to be completely unremarkable. But maybe that’s the point.
After making a rare public speech, Kate returned to her table where William sat – ready to discreetly pull out her chair so she could sit comfortably.
From holding umbrellas to protect Kate’s hair from the rain to balancing the load by holding her bags (to dislodging a stuck heel from an awkwardly placed drain), William) becomes the master of calm and friendly behavior .
And now royal observers are keenly focused on the matter.
One such episode took place during an evening reception celebrating The Queen’s 2022 platinum anniversary at the Mayan ruins in Cahal Pech, Belize.
As they left the event, the couple could be seen descending a staircase of cobblestone steps, with the Prince, 41, reaching up to help Kate, 42, in her silver Jimmy Choo heels as they walked side by side.
Nearly a decade earlier, in March 2013, Kate managed to get her four-inch stiletto down a drain during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Aldershot.
Luckily, Prince William was there to help his pregnant wife when the royal grabbed her husband’s arm and pulled away with a subtle twist.
William showed his thoughtful side again when he stepped in to offer his wife an umbrella after she was caught in the rain as the couple left Westminster Abbey after the Commonwealth Day service in March 2022.
After William received a nod, an assistant rushed to the mother of three to offer her an umbrella as she spoke to a group of schoolchildren, but she politely declined.
A little later she was joined by her husband, who, unaware of the exchange that had just taken place, asked the same assistant if he could borrow the umbrella.
The dutiful prince walked over to Kate and held it above her head so her hairstyle wouldn’t frizz in the rain as she continued to talk to the children.
William and Kate showed not only affection but also teamwork during their tour of Belize in March 2022
Prince William was on hand to help his pregnant wife when Kate managed to get her four-inch stiletto down a drain during a St. Patrick’s Day parade at Mons Barracks in March 2013.
Dutiful husband William was seen extending an umbrella to his wife Kate as they emerged from Westminster Abbey after the Commonwealth Day service in March 2022
William offered a helping hand and carried some of Kate’s flowers during the official welcoming ceremony at the British Columbia Legislative Assembly in September 2016
A protective Prince William and Kate waved and smiled broadly as they carried their son, Prince George, out of the hospital in July 2013
Another of William’s tasks when they are on the road together is to help Kate if she has too many bouquets of flowers to deal with.
Royal expert Kate Mansey told MailOnline Royals that ‘Kate and William have worked hard to create an image of themselves together as a united front.
‘So when they are working together, they like to have their picture taken together, as a team.’
The Prince warmed the hearts of the nation as he held his wife up as the proud parents introduced Prince George to the world for the first time.
William and Kate waved and smiled broadly at the waiting cameras as they held their prince on the steps of the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London, 26 hours after he was delivered.
An example of this teamwork came when William and Catherine took part in abseiling and rock climbing during a visit to an activity center in North Wales in 2015.
William was the first to try, with his wife holding his rope. “Are you holding me?” he shouted up. “I got you,” she laughed.
Prince William helps his wife Catherine after she fell off a wall during a visit to Capel Curig, Snowdonia, in November 2015
William was spotted carrying the then Duchess of Cambridge’s bag after the pair landed at Teesside Airport in April 2021
Kate added: “I’m actually quite enjoying this. For once I’m in control.’
When it was Kate’s turn, William kindly helped untie his wife from the cable once she passed the wall.
William was also seen as a real Prince Charming just two days before their tenth wedding anniversary in April 2021, when he carried the then Duchess of Cambridge’s bag.
After landing at Teesside Airport, William lightened his wife’s luggage as the pair walked to a waiting vehicle.