Royal experts have revealed why Prince Harry and girlfriend Meghan Markle make public displays of affection like holding hands, whilst Prince William and wife Kate are more reserved.
There are many aspects of royal life that come with associated etiquette to follow, from never signing autographs, lest they be used for forgery, to avoiding shellfish at public events, to steer clear of possible sickness.
But as Prince Harry's relationship with Meghan becomes increasingly public, the question on many lips is why the pair are more affectionate during appearances than Prince William and Kate.
It's been reported that the images of Harry and Meghan taken at the Invictus Games in Toronto at the end of September showed the couple looking cosy, holding hands and sharing the odd kiss, because they were 'off duty'.
'Because Meghan isn't a member of the Royal Family, she wasn't attending the Invictus Games for business reasons,' The Sun explains - and whilst Harry was at the event on official duties, during this particular appearance, he was attending in a casual capacity with his other half, rather than meeting officials and representing the family.
Harry's big brother William and Kate, on the other hand, are known to follow in the Queen and Prince Philip's more formal footsteps, and whilst it is thought that there is no official rule affection in public, they tend to err on the side of caution.
'The Queen rarely holds hands with her husband in public and this seems to have set an unwritten precedent for the other royals,' body language Robin Kermode detailed to the Mail Online.
'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.'
'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.'
