Sweet Pics Of Rare Times Kate Middleton & Prince William Have Packed On The PDA

Kate Middleton has led such a lavish life since marrying into the royal family. Her wedding to Prince William was a fairytale moment that we still think about today. Since then, they've become a dynamic duo that we're constantly inspired by. For starters, the stunning style transformation of Kate Middleton has been a key point in her royal journey. But together, both her and Prince William also pursue countless charity work opportunities, always striving to make the world a better place. While we usually only see very modest displays of affection from the couple, over the years, there have actually been moments where the two really packed on the PDA. 

Of course, you'd expect to see at least a little PDA from a couple when they're newlyweds, but throughout the couple's 15-year marriage, we've also seen some rare (and extremely adorable) moments between the two that are worth noting. Whether they're on an overseas tour or simply out at a charity event, sometimes the Prince and Princess of Wales just can't hold back.

It's expected that Kate Middleton and Prince William packed on a little more PDA than normal during their 2011 Canada tour. This was their first official overseas tour since their wedding, and this sweet photo definitely screams "newlyweds." After a dragon boat race on Prince Edward Island, they were seen in a rare affectionate embrace, highlighting that they aren't strictly business out in public all the time. According to ABC News, this was also the first time Kate publicly talked about their aspirations to start a family, which definitely turned out well for them!

On the same 2011 tour, Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the Calgary Stampede Parade where they donned cowboy hats and quietly grasped hands. Granted, the two were asked to push a button to activate a fireworks show at the time, but we still can't get enough of how cute and relaxed they look while holding hands. This was the start of a beautiful marriage together, and they were all smiles while out at this particular event. Kate and William have shared some awkward moments, but this wasn't one of them!

At the 2023 BAFTA Awards, Prince William and Kate Middleton snuck in a bit of hand-holding while walking the red carpet. Kate later playfully touched William's back at the awards show, and the moment soon went viral. Fans of the two were excited to see some PDA from the otherwise demure couple. Not only that, the two also shared a lot of closeness, smiles, and laughter together throughout the night — the telltale signs of a happy couple.

On a visit to India and Bhutan in 2016, Prince William and Kate Middleton shared some really sweet moments together. In particular, while on a hike to Paro Taksang (a monastery in Paro, Bhutan), William put his arm around Kate as they gave each other an affectionate look. Although the couple admitted it was a tough hike to reporters at the time, Kate also joked, "It's a great way to burn off the curry" (via Vanity Fair).

Prince William gave Kate Middleton a rare kiss on the cheek after the DMMI Royal Charity Polo Cup match in 2026. This quietly affectionate display feels important for the couple, as Kate had missed this event the past couple years due to her cancer diagnosis and treatment. Royal etiquette expert Myka Meier told People that, while there are no formal rules about PDA in the royal family, they usually still keep it pretty reserved. "The royals often adjust PDA to mirror the formality of the event they are attending," she explained.

Not long after Prince William and Kate Middleton were married, the royal couple was spotted at the 2012 London Olympics being too cute for words. Of course, the couple went to cheer on Britain's athletes, enjoying the fun of the events — especially considering the two are longtime athletes themselves. They were spotted with their arms around each other, leaning into the excitement of everything they watched. Secretly, we'd love to see more of this side of the couple again — they look incredibly happy.