Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Showed PDA, but Prince William and Kate Middleton Didn't at Christmas Service: Here's Why

Clothing, Uniform, Standing, Suit, Outerwear, Formal wear, Gesture, Academic dress, Coat, Overcoat,

(Image credit: Joe Giddens - PA Images)

published 25 December 18

At this year's Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton chatted like the best of buddies on the walk to the church (feud? What feud? (opens in new tab)). As the Fab Four walked along, stopping to chat with the thousands of fans that lined the walkway, Meghan and Prince Harry, strolling arm in arm, showed more PDA than the more traditional Kate and Prince William, who walked side by side without touching. Even while Meghan and Kate leaned in to each other, Meghan kept a hand at Harry's elbow.

Event, Fashion, Dress, Coat, Tradition, Outerwear, Formal wear, Ceremony, Uniform, Crowd,

The pregnant Meghan might have needed Harry's arm to stabilize her, since she was wearing the most magnificent (and tall!) navy boots (opens in new tab). The couple said hello to fans after the service, and Meghan draped her hand over Harry's back.

People, Crowd, Event, Tradition, Audience, Ceremony, Gesture, Flower,

Kate and William stopped to shake hands as well, but still no physical contact.

People, Red, Crowd, Event, Community, Fun, Audience, Recreation, Competition event, Leisure,

It's well-established that Kate and William don't hold hands during public engagements, which may be from personal preference as much as official protocol. We occasionally see them break their rule as they did at Meghan and Harry's wedding (opens in new tab), where they looked totally loved up (opens in new tab). But otherwise it's hands off.

Katherine J. Igoe

Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.