Kate Middleton and Prince William embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day with a rare public display of affection, sharing a heartfelt moment on social media.
A Romantic Gesture
On Friday, February 14, the Prince and Princess of Wales marked the occasion by posting a tender photograph of themselves, accompanied by a single red heart emoji. The image, originally released in September 2024, was part of an emotional video announcing that Kate, 43, had completed chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis earlier that year.
The touching photo captures the couple sitting on a brown picnic blanket in a wooded setting, holding hands as William, 42, places a gentle kiss on Kate’s cheek while she laughs.
A Special Moment in Their Journey
The three-minute video, which featured this intimate moment, was filmed in August by Will Warr in Norfolk. This is where the couple resides at Anmer Hall with their three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.
Over the past year, Kate and William have become more expressive with their affection on social media. In June 2024, Kate posted a heartfelt birthday message for William, saying, “We all love you so much!” In return, William publicly honored Kate on her 43rd birthday in January with a deeply personal message: “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you… We love you.”
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward shared her thoughts on their growing openness, stating, “William must feel so fortunate that Kate has come through this that he wants to tell the world about that love. It shows the intimacy of them sharing that journey together. They are able to express themselves in a way they would never have done before.”
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Breaking Royal Traditions
This public display of affection marks a shift from the couple’s traditionally reserved demeanor. In previous years, the Prince and Princess of Wales were known for their more composed and formal interactions. However, royal etiquette expert Myka Meier, founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette, previously told PEOPLE, “There is no actual etiquette or royal protocol that says the couple must refrain from PDA.” Instead, their usual restraint likely stems from their roles as “working representatives of the British monarchy,” Meier explained.
A Stronger Bond
Prince William has remained a pillar of support for Kate throughout the challenges of the past year. Their shared experiences have only deepened their connection.
A source close to the royal household revealed to PEOPLE that the couple is now “more open” and speaks more publicly about their relationship. “For the princess, family — her husband and children — are more important than anything else,” another royal insider shared.
Kate and William’s love story spans over two decades. After dating for eight years, William proposed during a vacation in Kenya in 2010. The couple announced their engagement in November of that year and tied the knot in April 2011.
Their evolving relationship, marked by love, resilience, and growing openness, continues to captivate royal watchers worldwide.