The display of public affection between Kate Middleton and Prince William during the polo match evokes memories of Princess Diana and King Charles, who also exchanged kisses on the pitch in their time.
At the Royal Charity Polo Day held at the Guards Polo Club, both aged 41, the royal couple surprised onlookers with a rare public kiss on both cheeks before Prince William was awarded his trophy. This intimate moment was reminiscent of the PDA exhibited by Prince Charles and Diana during their marital years, where she would lovingly support him at his polo matches, even sometimes sharing a kiss on the lips.
Though the recent public display of affection by Prince William and Princess Kate may seem unconventional, royal etiquette expert Myka Meier asserted that there are no formal rules dictating how royal couples should show romance in public; it is entirely up to their discretion.
As the founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette, Meier emphasized that senior members of the royal family are trusted to use their better judgment regarding when and how to display PDA. The level of affection shown by the royals often adapts to the formality of the event they attend. At somber or formal occasions, PDA is less likely, while at more casual events, it is deemed more fitting.
Although the Royal Charity Polo Day is an official event for Prince William and Princess Kate, as it raises millions for causes close to their hearts, they appear more at ease with public affection in the sporting environment compared to formal engagements.
In the previous year, the couple had also exchanged a similar congratulatory kiss at another polo match while walking with their arms linked around each other's backs.
While Prince William and Princess Kate, as future king and queen, generally refrain from public displays of affection, there have been a few tender moments witnessed at recent events. During the celebration of King Charles' coronation in Scotland, Kate was observed with her hand resting on William's backside as they conversed, reminiscent of a gentle love tap they exchanged at the BAFTAs in February.
Similarly, Prince William's first cousin, Zara Tindall, and her husband, Mike Tindall, do not shy away from showing affection at social sports events. At the Royal Ascot in June, cameras captured a heartwarming moment between the couple in a landau carriage during the Royal Procession parade, where Mike gently assisted Zara in removing something from her eye.
On the broader subject of PDA, Meier suggested that regular couples can take cues from their favorite royals when it comes to expressing affection in public.
