HANDS OFF
Body language expert reveals why Prince William and Kate Middleton are rarely spotted holding hands in public
EVER wonder why Prince William and Kate Middleton are rarely seen holding hands when they are in public?
Unlike Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who regularly show displays of public affection, the Prince and Princess of Wales often opt to walk solo during engagements.
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This was demonstrated yesterday when William and Harry and wives Kate and Meghan dramatically reunited in tribute to the Queen at Windsor Castle.
The Sussexes held hands and cuddled during the emotional visit, while William and Kate walked side-by-side.
Body language expert Judi James revealed that William and Kate’s “body language has always veered on the side of bland, but it is also always pitch-perfect for their royal role.”
Judi added to Fabulous: “While Harry and Meghan were using their signature gesture of clasped hands, William and Kate used their own customary pose of having their arms hanging down by their sides with the hands almost brushing against one another but not quite.
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"They’re not touch-averse.
"There are moments of small back-touches and they will even link together in a partial embrace to show unity and affection."
Judi said there are three reasons behind their choice to not hold hands.
She said: "Firstly it’s probably status. As future king and queen they will always have been aware of using similar signals to previous wearers of the crown, which entail no hand-holding in public.
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"They will operate individually as well as a team of two and this individuality is illustrated by the lack of constant coupling signals."
She said the second reason could be wanting to look "elegant and adult."
Judi explained: "Hand-holding might be popular with celebrity couples of any age but it tends to define a rather youthful stage of a relationship.
"It can also feel exclusive rather than inclusive to people around the couple.
"The King and Queen do sort of belong to the nation and this signal of exclusivity might be seen as contradictory."
Thirdly there are practical reasons.
Judi added: "Kate and William’s royal appearances involve hand-shakes and individual meet and greets.
"As an intentional gesture of sociability it can look better and easier to arrive hands-free rather than having to uncouple to communicate with hosts and guests.
"It can also cause sweaty palms in hot climates and with no way of wiping them dry before shaking hands it’s safer to let your hands swing in the air to keep cool."
Meanwhile, etiquette expert Myka Meier told : "There is no actual etiquette or royal protocol that says the couple must refrain from PDA.
"The likely reasoning is more that while travelling on a tour such as the India trip, technically the couple are working representatives of British Monarchy.
"The couple are likely to show very little PDA, if any, to remain professional during their designated roles abroad."
There have been some exceptions, however, such as the 2017 Christmas Day service at Sandringham.
Prince William arrived hand in hand with the Duchess of Cambridge, next to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The couple were also spotted holding hands at Princess Eugenie's wedding in October 2018.
Usually Meghan and Harry are a lot more affectionate in their body language towards each other compared to Harry's older brother and sister-in-law.
Myka added: "While Prince Harry and Meghan holding hands is atypical for royal engagements, it is a seemingly welcomed gesture to show unity and celebration of their engagement period.
"There is no protocol that says they cannot show affection on official engagements, and this gesture makes them relatable and lovable to the public."
While there is not an official ban on PDA for Royals, it's more of a question of following the Queen's example, as she rarely held Prince Philip's hand on public engagements.
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And this has become an "unwritten precedent for the other royals", Robin Kermode, body language expert, .
"It is very clear that William and Kate are emotionally close, however, they do not seem to feel the need to prove their love – particularly when on official state business," he added.
"They come across as a strong, independent couple and while they are always on show, they do not feel the need to 'show' their love for each other to the world."
Only William and Kate — newly appointed Prince and Princess of Wales — were expected to meet the public from 4.30pm.
But the walkabout was delayed until 5.15pm to include Harry and Meghan.
The brothers had barely spoken for 2½ years after the Sussexes left for the US.
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And it was the first time the couples have been seen in public as a foursome since Commonwealth Day in March 2020.
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A senior Palace source said: “The Prince of Wales invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier.
“The Prince of Wales thought it was an important show of unity for the Queen at an incredibly difficult time for the family.”
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