Kate Middleton and Prince William engaged in a rare public display of affection while on a royal engagement in London.
WATCH: Kate Middleton and Prince William in rare PDA
The Duke of Cambridge was seen reaching for his wife’s back and rubbing it lightly as they entered the Troubadour White Theatre to meet with volunteers working with the organisation “Shout,” according to Express.
In a gentlemanly act, the 37-year-old also invited the Duchess to enter the building before him.
The royal couple is rarely seen holding hands in public or showing affection for each other, unlike Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It’s likely William and Kate are adhering to an unwritten rule set out by Queen Elizabeth II – who was never seen getting too close to her husband, Prince Philip.
Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh set a precedent that most senior royals prefer to follow, according to body language expert Robin Kermode.
“The Queen rarely holds hands with her husband in public and this seems to have set an unwritten precedent for the other royals,” he told Express.
Mr Kermode also believes William and Kate are clearly “emotionally close,” despite keeping their public displays of affection to a minimum.
“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.”
The last time the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared to share an intimate moment in public was on their royal tour to Pakistan.
Kate was seen stroking William’s shoulder when the royal couple – who share children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – visited King’s Cross to meet Aga Khan.
The 37-year-old also appeared to laugh at one of the prince’s jokes.
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