The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has seen Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reunite with their royal relatives to honour Britain’s longest-reigning female monarch.
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan reunited outside the gates of Windsor Castle following the news, to greet mourners and pay their personal respects. It wasn’t long before Harry and Meghan’s hand-holding became subject of public speculation, particularly in contrast to Kate and William’s non-PDA approach.
Some Twitter users praised the couple’s decision to show affection while departing Westminster Hallwith one tweet calling her a “supportive wife.” Another called their bond “special and amazing”, while a third added that they shouldn’t have to hide their love.
Of course, for every fan is a critic, with a wave of other comments criticising the PDA breach, as royal family members are notably discouraged from displaying their affection in public.
“They’re part of the procession,” read one angered tweet. “Is it too much to expect them to walk in their line? even the horse could stay in their position for 20+ minutes walk. yet meghan [and] harry couldn’t keep the formation at least until they reach the door?”
Given that William and Kate are now the future King and Queen Consort, the Palace’s code of etiquette dictates that they refrain from public displays of affection, with the Prince and Princess of Wales maintaining the picture perfect image of royalty for the past decade.
Royal etiquette Myker Meier spoke to People back in 2016, explaining that while out on royal engagements, “the couple are working representatives of British Monarchy” and are therefore “to remain professional during their designated roles”, meaning no PDA.
After Harry and Meghan stepped down from their senior royal duties in February 2021, they were present at Windsor Castle as mourning relatives and not as working royals. Knowing this, it’s likely that William and Kate will not show any physical affection during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
In a recent interview with The Express, body language expert Inbaal Hongiman noted that King Charles III and the Queen Consort Camilla “didn’t hold hands walking into Buckingham Palace, either,” citing the same reasons as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Despite their physical distance, William has made one rare show of affection toward Kate since the Queen’s death. During a tip to Surrey where they met with service personnel ahead of the Queen’s funeral, the Prince of Wales placed his hand on Kate’s back — a small gesture which came as a shock to fans who aren’t used to seeing any PDA between the pair.
So, while royal family members are invited to refrain from PDA, there is no absolute restriction on it. That being said, family members tend to avoid touching while on official business for Her Majesty, which is why William and Kate keep a greater physical distance between one another, particularly in the wake of the Queen’s death. Harry and Meghan, who are no longer considered serving members of the royal family, are not subjected to the same etiquette, and are therefore able to express their affection more physically and frequently.
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