Why do Meghan Markle and Prince Harry hold hands in public but Prince William and Kate Middleton usually don’t?

WHEN your partner is a member of the Royal Family, the rules are different compared to a normal relationship.

Monopoly is banned, unmarried women can’t wear tiaras and PDAs are frowned upon – according to these unwritten rules.

Why don’t Kate Middleton and Prince William hold hands?

Public displays of affection are considered uncouth.

This is why you rarely see Kate Middleton and Prince William holding hands or kissing on a public engagement.

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.

Can Meghan Markle and Prince Harry hold hands?

You may have noticed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are very affectionate with each other during public appearances.

Royal etiquette expert Myka Meier tells : “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.”

The couple seemed very cosy at the Invictus Games in Toronto in September 2017, despite having the eyes of the world on them.

Over a year later, they looked just as loved-up during a royal engagement in Sussex.

Are the Royal Family typically banned from holding hands?

There is not a 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.

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.”