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Kate Middleton shrugs off Prince William's PDA in 'awkward' video: 'What just happened here?'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's long-awaited project with famed television host Mary Berry aired Monday night in the UK.
The Berry Royal Christmas was much more than merely a holiday-themed broadcast: Instead, it introduced viewers to four of the royal couple's most beloved organizations, which fight everything from homelessness to addiction, and featured their formative work throughout the holiday season. The program ended with a Christmas party thrown for the organization's staff, which was catered by Berry herself and hosted by Kate and William.
Great programme, Kate & William are just blooming lovely, genuine & clearly love supporting their charities #ABerryRoyalChristmas
— Tabitha (@ingham_tabitha) December 16, 2019
The program seemed to go off without a hitch, with many royal fans taking to social media about the "surprisingly entertaining" feature. One Twitter user commended the Cambridges for the work they're doing, maintaining that they seem "genuine and clearly love supporting their charities."
However, royal watchers did notice quite an "awkward" moment shared between Kate and William, in which the duchess seemingly shrugs off her husband's PDA. While mingling with guests at the holiday party, Prince William reaches to put his hand on Kate's shoulder; she responds with a little shimmy and shrugs it off.
What just happened here???? Ouch!
— Sonia Garcia (@SoniaJacGarcia) December 16, 2019
Awkward! Too awkward!! They should have cut it out.!
— Jackie (@Jackiedalle) December 16, 2019
The royals seem to have a no-PDA policy in place -- and it's one that Prince William, as heir to the throne, is expected to follow. The couple, who have been married for nearly nine years, rarely breaks the protocol, albeit for the occasional shoulder rub or hand-on-knee moment. Consequently, some Twitter users took Kate's response as mere reminder to Prince William that the two are being filmed.
I like the way they interact , it’s professional. I don’t want to see excessive hand holding and back rubbing (Sussex). It’s awkward, like you’re intruding on a private moment.
— Bookworm_111 🦧 (@111Bookworm) December 16, 2019
Kate realizes he was attempting to show PDA as Harry does, but she’s not use to that!
— Dawn (@Dawn91273141) December 17, 2019
It's a precedent that Queen Elizabeth had set with Prince Philip, although one that royals like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle rarely follow.
Although the protocol is not written in stone, royal experts say PDA is a "matter of preference." Said royal etiquette expert Myka Meier to People, "It’s all simply a matter of preference for each couple and is also likely dependent on the nature of the event they are attending. A more serious engagement would warrant a more serious level of professionalism, which each royal is sure to follow.”
“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,” she added.
