In a recently revealed royal portrait, Prince William and Kate Middleton are shown with King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, and both couples are seen making quiet gestures of affection in public (PDA).
The image of Charles, his eldest son, and their wives was taken by veteran royal photographer Chris Jackson and released on Saturday by the royal family’s official Instagram account.
According to a press statement from Buckingham Palace that Tatler obtained, the photo was taken on September 18, the evening before Queen Elizabeth II’s royal burial.
The photograph was shot in advance of a banquet Charles and Camilla threw at Buckingham Palace for foreign dignitaries and heads of state, according to the press release. Joe Biden, the US president, Jill Biden, and Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, were among those invited.
Royals are not prohibited from PDAs, yet it is uncommon to see them sharing intimate touch with loved ones. Instead, most adhere to an unspoken guideline and choose to preserve a healthy distance when conducting official business.
The famously strict no-PDA rule was observed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their 73-year marriage, and they were hardly ever seen holding hands.
However, a closer look at the new photo reveals indications that both couples are indeed having PDA. Camilla’s left arm is wrapped around Charles’ right arm, which looks to be resting on her back.
Similar to this, William clasps his hands together and Kate’s right arm appears to be softly tucked behind his back.
The “fab four,” the new moniker for the four royals, are all seen grinning for the camera. Additionally, Camilla and Kate each adhered to the morning dress code by donning long-sleeved black mourning dresses. Charles and William, meanwhile, matched in dark navy suits and black ties.
The fact that three people who have held the title of Prince of Wales are depicted in the new portrait is another subtle aspect of it.
Several royals in the line of succession had title changes following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Charles was immediately crowned king. William was given the title of Prince of Wales, which he had held since he was nine years old. The Daily Mirror notes that King George IV, who inherited the title of Prince of Wales in 1762, is depicted on the artwork that the royals are in front of.
