Prince William and Kate Middleton have been husband and wife for nearly 10 years now! We have all watched as they introduced their three lovely children to the world. However, some things have changed between them after Prince Harry got married to American actress Meghan Markle. As always, people were quick to notice these subtle developments about the royal family. So let’s figure out what exactly happened.
William And Kate’s Relationship Has Changed…Thanks To Harry And Meghan
Ups And Downs
Before the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got married, they experienced some ups and downs. They first met in 2001 when they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Reports say William first noticed his lovely wife when she was in a charity fashion show.
Ups And Downs
At Long Last
When the two started dating, there were obstacles in the way. For one thing, Kate received plenty of media attention. In fact, she filed a complaint through her lawyers for the endless harassment. This was the reason they eventually broke up in 2007, but it did not take long before they found their way back to each other. A decade after their first meeting, the lovebirds tied the knot in Westminster Abbey.
At Long Last
The Married Life
After they walked down the aisle, Kate and William started a new chapter of their lives together. They started their own family and welcomed Prince George in 2013. Their supporters noticed that while they seem to be close, they hardly displayed their affections for one another in public. It turns out that there was actually a reason for this.
The Married Life
No PDA
Kate and William opted not to display their affection in public for one reason. Essentially, they were at work. You would not think it is appropriate for office workers to hold hands during work hours, right? This is the same reason the two did not get all touchy when the cameras were around. They knew they had the responsibility of representing the monarchy.
No PDA
Official Photos
“The Duke and Duchess are almost always seen in photographs taken during official engagements, so they are at ‘work,’ and it would be unprofessional to hold hands,” Emily Nash of HELLO! explained during an interview in 2017. She went on, “They also need to shake hands with a huge number of people as they meet them, so aside from being on duty, it wouldn’t be very practical!”
Official Photos
Sporting Events Are Different
“We know [the Duke and Duchess] are very affectionate and that sometimes comes across during more lighthearted moments, at sporting events or similar, but you wouldn’t expect them to put that on show while in more formal situations,” said a source. As we can see, Kate and William are engaging in PDA in this photo at the 2012 London Olympics.
Sporting Events Are Different
New Couple In Town
In 2017, however, people began to notice a change in their dynamic. It seems like this stemmed from the way Prince Harry and Meghan interacted in public. Was the addition of a new Royal the reason?
New Couple In Town
Harry And Meghan
If you keep up with the Royals, there is a good chance you have seen at least one photograph of Harry and Meghan holding hands. In July 2018, they even shared what looked like an intense kiss at a polo match. Although it was unexpected, everyone ate it up.
Harry And Meghan
A Fresh Modern Approach
“Meghan and Prince Harry holding hands at a royal engagement is a refreshingly modern approach to their new role both as a couple and as representatives of the royal family,” Myka Meier, a royal etiquette specialist, told People in 2017.
A Fresh Modern Approach
Royal PDA
Meier also explained that public displays of affection are “simply a matter of preference for each couple and is also likely dependent on the nature of the event.” Even though there are outliers like Charles and Camilla who have also been seen holding hands, this is the general rule of thumb: “a more serious engagement would warrant a more serious level of professionalism, which each royal is sure to follow.”
Royal PDA
Professionalism
One should note that this professionalism was once strictly followed. In the 2017 biography titled Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life, the author said that the public affection, or lack thereof, between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip has always been on display. Sally Bedell-Smith, the person behind the non-fiction book, said, “In the manner of the upper class, neither of them were physically demonstrative.”
Professionalism
Unexpected Display
However, William and Kate took people by surprise in October 2018 when they were not shy with their PDA. The Duchess just came back from her maternity leave after the birth of Prince Louis. Do you remember the time we’re talking about?
Unexpected Display
Quite Unusual For The Pair
Prince William was accompanying Kate to London’s Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit. People noticed that William placed his hand on her back and her leg during the event! It was only natural that fans took note since this was not the way they usually behaved.
Quite Unusual For The Pair
A Rarity
There was more to the story. Several days after that, the two of them went to the wedding of Princess Eugenie. Once more, they appeared to be closer than usual! Kirsten Aiken took to Twitter to update everyone. Her tweet read, “Commentary team oohs and aahs over an apparently rare PDA by William and Kate (mind you, they’re only holding hands!).”
A Rarity
Body Language
A body language interpreter by the name of Judi James had more to say about this pleasant surprise. “They managed to outdo Harry and Meghan here,” she said in an interview with the Daily Mirror. “Kate reached across to place a hand on the arm of her husband’s chair, and he put his own hand over it in a very romantic gesture.”
Body Language
Sweet Smiles
She also talked about the body language they displayed during the summit. Here was the statement she gave the Daily Express: “Kate seems to have increased in confidence here at their first public outing together since the birth, and William is unusually tactile, flashing some sweet “pinging” smiles at his wife to suggest he’s incredibly pleased to have her back at his side.”
Sweet Smiles
Competition
What could have been the reason for this change in the public relationship dynamics of the Duke and Duchess? In an article by the Daily Mirror, James suggested that this was “prompted by the very tactile displays from Harry and Meghan.”
Competition
Hoping To Shine Brighter
Royal fans are even under the impression that they want to one-up the younger pair. After the wedding of Princess Eugenie, a tweet claimed that Kate and William had been hoping to “upstage” the new couple in town.
Hoping To Shine Brighter
Bad Blood
Rumors also say that there is some bad blood between the pair of royals. In 2018, gossip magazines ran a story that Kate and Meghan had been squabbling before the latter got married to Harry. Anonymous sources report that the conflict was about the bridesmaid dress for Princess Charlotte. It is also said that the disagreement made Kate cry!
Bad Blood
Moving Away
The alleged feud between the sisters-in-law made the headlines. In November 2018, the media reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were leaving Kensington Palace. This means that they would be away from Kate and William, of course. An anonymous source told the Daily Mail that the relocation happened after a rift between Kate and Meghan.
Moving Away
Not Getting Along
In the very same month, a different source told The Sun that the issue did not actually lie with the ladies. Instead, the two brothers were the ones who had problems getting along. Could this really be the case?
Not Getting Along
From Different Worlds
The person who claimed to be a “close friend of the Cambridges” reported that the two women do not see eye to eye. They said, “Kate and Meghan are very different people. They don’t really get on.” It is true that they come from very different worlds, so it is not all that surprising.
From Different Worlds
Behind Closed Doors
Despite these reports, the truth is that it only the royals know what is actually going on. After all, Kensington Palace is not at all eager to let the public in on what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to the Royal Family. This is the exact reason why so many of the reports about the Windsors only come from their body language and public displays of affection with one another.
Behind Closed Doors
Bonding Between Ladies
Let us inspect the body language in this picture. This was taken when the entire family gathered for the Christmas season in 2018. Kate and Meghan, like everyone else, looked happy together. Could it be that they were merely pretending to get along for the cameras? Body language specialists claim that this was unlikely. “See how they’re laughing [and] how they’re all walking in sync?” an expert by the name of Patti Wood explained to Marie Claire, “It’s really difficult to do that if you really, really don’t like somebody.”
Bonding Between Ladies
The Significance Of Accessories
Even the ways in which royals use their accessories apparently hold some significance. If their bag is in the hand that is closest to their partner, it may mean they want to separate themselves from their husband.
The Significance Of Accessories
A Good Sign
Take Kate as she appears in this photograph, for example. Here, she isn’t seen holding hands with William; instead, she is positioning her clutch bag between herself and her husband. But according to experts, this is actually a good sign when it comes to Meghan, who is walking on Kate’s other side. You see, it means that there is nothing coming between the sisters-in-law – in both a metaphorical and a physical sense.
A Good Sign
Making An Effort
These body language specialists have even factored in the way they hold their accessories! We want you to focus on the way Kate looks in this photo. She is not holding hands with her husband. Instead, the Duchess has her clutch bag in her hand, effectively separating the two of them. Experts said that this was a good sign for her relationship with the person on her other side. It symbolizes that there is nothing between the two ladies both in the physical and metaphorical sense!
Making An Effort
Mere Speculation
However, Kate and Meghan still made headlines with alleged rifts by the time 2019 rolled in. These reports drew the attention of Sarah Ferguson, who gave her thoughts on the situation earlier this February. Sarah is the Duchess of York, as you may know.
Mere Speculation
Always Compared
If you are far too young to remember it, the Duchess of York was once compared to Princess Diana on the regular. She talked about the nature of internet speculation in an open letter to Hello magazine: “It seems that online, anything goes.”
Always Compared
Pitting Women Against Each Other
“Women, in particular, are constantly pitted against and compared with [one another] in a way that reminds me of how people tried to portray Diana and me all the time as rivals, which is something neither of us ever really felt,” she wrote. “People feel licensed to say things online that they would never dream of saying to someone’s face. And that encourages others to pile in.”
Pitting Women Against Each Other
No Concrete Evidence
It is also worth noting that if there truly is any tension between the Duchesses – or the Princes for that matter – no concrete evidence has backed it up. Now that we are on this topic, keep in mind that there is no legitimate proof that any of the royals want to upstage each other. The paparazzi and fans often come up with stories and gossip pieces that are just hearsay.
No Concrete Evidence
Another Royal Couple
Besides, there is one more royal couple we should consider when we discuss public displays of affection. We are talking about Charles and Camilla, who appeared on the December 2018 Vanity Fair issue. Camilla was photographed with her hand on his legs as well!
Another Royal Couple
Some Tweaks To The Rules
Aside from that, there is some reason to believe that these two might tweak the rules when it is time for Charles to ascend to the throne. It seems that the Royal family is becoming more and more with the times!
Some Tweaks To The Rules
Changing Times
Biographer Penny Junor talked to Good Housekeeping last year and said, “Times have changed. Charles is still so besotted with Camilla – even after all these years – that it would be hard for him not to show his natural affection.” They are only human after all!
Changing Times
And The Award Goes To
Regardless, we daresay that Meghan and Harry still deserve the distinction for being the most touchy-feely couple in the royal family. Of course, the two of them behaved per usual during the Australasian royal tour.
And The Award Goes To
Most Affectionate
Harry did not hesitate to hold his expectant wife’s hand as they traveled together. Even when it was time to clap politely during events, Meghan did not detach her arm from her husband’s!
Most Affectionate
Complaints
Even though there are people who found it cute, there are also those who have complained about their lack of space. One Mumsnet user who did not think it was appropriate for them to be so physically affectionate and said, “For the love of God, could they stop holding hands? They’re not on a date, they’re carrying out official business!”
Complaints
Growing Even Closer
James has also suggested that the new development between Kate and William might have been the result of Prince Louis’ birth. The expert told the Daily Express, “Their smiles together have changed, and their affection and love signals are much more intense and open than ever before, suggesting the birth of their third child has somehow thrown them back into the honeymoon stage.”
Growing Even Closer
Not Just Them
They are not the only lovebirds who have gotten closer thanks to a child. Meghan and Harry seem to be completely smitten with each other whenever they step out in public. During the royal tour, the two of them even went to the Whakarewarewa Forest by themselves to enjoy a private moment. Harry even took this gorgeous photograph of Megan holding her belly!
Not Just Them
Thanks To The Kids
It seems that the addition of a child does just the trick. It brought Harry and Meghan closer together, and it did the same for William and Kate! We guess it doesn’t matter how many years you’re together, babies work magic!
Thanks To The Kids
Doesn’t Mean Anything
Even though Kate and William do not demonstrate their feelings all that often, there is no doubt that they adore one another. Besides, a lack of PDA should not be taken to mean there is trouble in paradise. Many couples don’t engage in PDA at all, not just the royals.
Doesn’t Mean Anything
Over 70 Years
After all, the Queen and Prince Philip rarely ever touch each other in public, but they have been together for more than seven decades now! That should be enough evidence that PDA isn’t a necessity. Long live romance!
Over 70 Years
The Kids Included
Although it is not exactly commonplace for royal couples to be physically affectionate, do you think royal parents and children get more leeway? It definitely depends on parent to parent, but for the most part they are not very affectionate in public.
The Kids Included
Parents And Kids
Let us just say that it is not that much better in the past. Kensington Palace has not boasted of many outwardly affectionate mothers and fathers. If you need proof, a five-year-old Prince Charles got left behind by his parents when they went traveling for half the year. Upon their return, the little boy only received handshakes from his dad and mom.
Parents And Kids
Princess Diana
One of the exceptions to the rule was Princess Diana, the ex-wife of Prince Charles. She had a different approach to parenting. Whenever she had to go on tour and leave for months on end, she liked to take Prince William along. This was a bold move for someone of her status, and it certainly showed the press. However, it certainly endeared Diana to the public and made her a more relatable public figure.
Princess Diana
Affectionate Royal
Apart from that, Diana also became known for the way she dealt with kids. Whenever she had to interact with a child, she knelt down to look them in the face. Ingrid Seward of Majesty magazine told ABC News back in 2013, “Diana was the first member of the royal family to do this.” She continued, “The royal family used to say that everyone had to be deferential to them. But Diana said, ‘If someone [could] be nervous of you, or you’re speaking to a very young child or a sick person, get yourself on their level.’”
Affectionate Royal
With Their Children
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very affectionate with their kids at any rate. This rings true regardless of whether they are in front of the camera or not. They hold the hands of their kids, carry them everywhere, play with them, and laugh at them even in inappropriate moments. During the Trooping the Color ceremony in 2017, the entire clan was seen laughing together at the balcony.
With Their Children
Parenting Style
It is also clear that Kate and William want their kids to open up whenever they need to. William talked to CALMzine in 2017 and said this: “Catherine and I are clear that we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings.” He made this statement before the birth of Louis, although we are sure that this also goes for their youngest child.
Parenting Style
Communication Is Key
“Over the past year, [Kate and I] have visited a number of schools together where we have been amazed listening to children talk about some quite difficult subjects in a really clear and emotionally articulate way – something most adults would struggle with,” he explained further to the publication. As you can see, this is not something that Prince William takes lightly.
Communication Is Key
New Generation
“Seeing [these children] has really given me hope that things are changing and that there is a generation coming up who find it normal to talk openly about their emotions. Emotional intelligence is key for us all to deal with the complexities of life and relationships,” he went on.
New Generation
Just Be Kids
We bet that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will explain the nature of public displays of affection to their children when they are old enough to understand. But for now, they can just be kids!
Just Be Kids
New Parents
If there is any truth to the rumors that William and Kate started doing more PDA thanks to Harry and Meghan, at least there is something the newer couple could learn in return. Perhaps the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could take a leaf out of the more experienced pair’s book. Now that they have a child of their own, they will probably need some guidance.
New Parents
Kneeling Down
At any rate, Harry and Meghan have already adopted the “kneeling to meet a child at their eye level” technique employed by Diana back in the day. If you ask us, this is a good sign that they will be good parents!
Kneeling Down
A Child Of Their Own
When they were touring Australia, they interacted with kids as well. Perhaps they had been trying to get more experience with tiny tots before they welcomed theirs! Let us see when they will stay as touchy-feely as ever now that they have a child to raise…
A Child Of Their Own
On Their Own
Moving away from the timeless royal traditions was the thing that first gave the public a clue that something was happening between the family members. Prince Harry and Meghan didn’t want to follow every royal tradition that has been set for them, they wanted to move away on their own.
On Their Own
Have A Chat
As it turns out, there was some tension between the Windsors when Harry and Meghan got married. Soon after William met Meghan for the first time, the woman who would become his sister-in-law, he told Harry to sit down and talk to him.
Have A Chat
Suspicions
It was clear, even to William, that Harry and Meghan were head-over-heels in love with each other. He knew they would someday get married, and that it was their next step. However, as an older brother, William warned Harry not to rush into things. He also said that he’s somewhat suspicious of the fact that they got into such a serious relationship so quickly.
Suspicions
A Friend
Meghan and Kate’s relationship was a fragile one that had to be nurtured. When Meghan became an official member of the Royal Family, she must have hoped to find a new friend in Kate. However, that wasn’t exactly what happened.
A Friend
A Third Baby
During the time Meghan joined the family, Kate was pregnant with her third child, Louis, and must have missed the fact that she was meant to be her new sister-in-law’s Royal guide. With her other two kids along with royal duties, she already had a lot on her plate. We understand she was busy, but Meghan must have felt that she was being ignored in a way.
A Third Baby
Photoshoots
By now, the royals seem to be getting along just fine. Their family photoshoots show the members always laughing and having fun. Just look at this cute picture of Prince Louis and Prince Charles in one of the shoots.
Photoshoots
Growing Up
Each year, Kate and William send out Christmas cards to their close family and friends. Since the royal children aren’t captured by paparazzi very often, it gives us an idea of how they’re growing up!
Growing Up
The Official Account
This adorable picture of William with all the kids was taken recently while they were on a family trip. Kensington Palace shared this specific photo on their official Instagram account.
The Official Account
The Most Recent
Here we have the most recent picture of the Royals. It was taken around Christmas 2019. Prince George is now 6 years old! The Queen, of course, looks as good as ever at 93 years old.
The Most Recent
Private School
Both Prince George and Princess Charlotte attend a private school close to their home. This sweet picture was taken on their first day of school in September 2019. How cute are they in their matching school uniforms?
Private School
A Member
All the criticism must have been difficult for the new couple, but Harry and Meghan never let any of it affect the way they acted in public. They always stand together as a unit in whatever issue they’re dealing with. Despite all the stresses Prince William had, Meghan is as much a part of the Royal Family as Kate is.
A Member
He’s The Problem
There are people who are quick to say that Harry is the one to blame for many problems. “He will brook no criticism of Meghan,” a source said. “And he is so sensitive he often sees criticism or negativity where there isn’t any.”
He’s The Problem
Protecting Her
One courtier said, “It’s my opinion that Harry feels he couldn’t protect his mother, so he’s going all out to protect his wife.” As we all remember, Princess Diana was criticized plenty by the public about everything she did, and it was very hard on her. It only makes sense Harry is trying to overcompensate his protectiveness for his wife.
Protecting Her
A Popular Hat
On a recent weekend trip, Meghan took this adorable picture of Harry and Archie. To no one’s surprise, right after this picture was taken, the sales of Archie’s hat rose exponentially. We can’t help but wonder if the same thing happened with Prince Harry’s hat as well.
A Popular Hat
Back To Work
Meghan and Harry are both so thrilled to be first-time parents to their little boy. Can you believe that Archie is already 8 months old? Nowadays, his parents are back to their daily appearances and working.
Back To Work
Trouble In Paradise
While everything was going great for Harry and Meghan, there was still some tension between the two brothers. They were close all their lives, but it seemed like something was getting in the way of their brotherly bond.
Trouble In Paradise
At Odds
It looked like the Royal Family had more on their hands than a simple disagreement. The brothers were in the middle of a full-on feud. Despite the fact that they have very different personalities, they still have had a close relationship. What could they be fighting about?
At Odds
The Public Noticed
What gave the public clues that something was going on between the family members was the move away from some of the royal traditions. Prince Harry and Meghan didn’t want to follow every single tradition that has been set for them.
The Public Noticed
Lingering Animosity
Even though their relationship transformed into a stable marriage with a newborn, there was still some tension around them. One of the most difficult things that happened was when the whole Royal Family told Harry they felt the same way about his relationship as William did. With time, this tension seemed to build up more and more.
Lingering Animosity
Time To Chat
It turns out that there was some tension between the Windsors when Harry and Meghan decided to get married. Not long after William met Meghan for the first time, he told Harry they needed to sit down and talk.
Time To Chat