Princess of PDA! How formal Kate can’t help but cuddle Prince William in public – and even gave him a cheeky smack on the buttocks
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were known for their Public Displays of Affection (PDAs) — always showing up hand-in-hand at royal engagements — the Prince and Princess of Wales tend to take a more formal approach.
The couple largely follows the example of Queen Elizabeth who did not hold hands with her husband Prince Philip in public.
But that’s not to say that Kate Middleton isn’t in favor of the occasional impromptu PDA with Prince William.
Kate has been seen placing a reassuring hand on her man’s back, placing her hand on his knee and even giving him a brutal slap on the buttocks – much to the delight of the couple’s fans.
Kate and William wrapped their arms around each other as they celebrated the 2012 London Olympics
The future Queen, 41, caused a frenzy on social media when she appeared to give her husband Prince William, 40, a gentle pat on the buttocks as they walked the red carpet at the BAFTAs in February this year.
And one of the couple’s most moving photos shows them embracing at the Velodrome in London’s Olympic Park in 2012, as cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and his teammates raced to a gold medal.
Later, William joked that he was afraid they’d get caught “kiss cam” at the stadium, saying, “I was definitely scared they’d come and show myself and my wife.” That would have been very embarrassing.’
Meanwhile, Kate is known for her subtle yet meaningful loving gestures that support her husband during public engagements, whether it’s a gentle touch on the hand or a reassuring pat on the back.
From the BAFTAs to the Bahamas, the Mail’s Royals section reveals all the times Kate couldn’t resist being the princess of the PDA.
Kate pursed for a kiss to congratulate William when his team won the Foundation Polo Challenge at the Santa Barbara Racquet and Polo Club in July 2011
As she walks to a boat during the Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta of The Bahamas in March 2022, Kate William gently pats her back
The Princess of Wales held her hand on her husband’s leg as they attended a game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at Boston’s TD Garden last year during their three-day tour
When the couple arrived at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Kate Middleton, 41, and the prince appeared to exchange a few words before leaning forward and appearing to give his rear a gentle pat (pictured right)
It had been a tough few days in Boston as the Sussexes chose to release their Netflix trailers at the same time as William and Kate’s visit to the US, but the pair remained united with Kate placing her hand on William’s back during the Earthshot Prize in 2022
Kate and William share a joke as she touches his wrist in the Bahamas in March 2022
Kate is seen tenderly wiping something off William’s face at the Royal Box on Day 13 of 2017 Wimbledon
Kate holds William’s hand at the start of the Calgary Stampede Parade on the ninth day of their 2011 tour of Canada
In this intimate photo, photographer Chris Jackson captures a tender moment with Kate’s hand touching Prince William’s back at the inaugural Earthshot Prize Awards in 2021
Kate’s soft fingertips touch William’s hand as they attend a reception hosted by the Governor General of the Bahamas during their 2022 Caribbean tour of Nassau, Bahamas
Kate holds William’s hand as they watch the swim at the Tollcross Swimming Center at the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014
Kate’s touch on William’s shoulder has been captured by royal photographer Max Mumby in this sweet photo at Guards Polo Club in Windsor in 2022
Kate talks to one of the jockeys at Ascot as she puts her hand on William’s back in 2017
The Caribbean tour was a real glimpse into the Prince and Princess of Wales’ ten-year marriage – Kate seemed absolutely relaxed and happy to show her affection for her husband
Prince William plays a teddy game as Kate stands next to him and puts her hand on his side during their visit to Barry Island, Gavin and Stacey’s home, in August 2020