Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.


Prince William and Princess Kate are certainly discreet during their public appearances, but that doesn't stop them from engaging in some PDA on the down-low.
While this usually comes in the form of a hand on the back or the arm of their spouse, or just a loving look, 2023 has been a year full of surprises for the royal couple.
Indeed, on the occasion of the King's Scottish Coronation this week, the Princess of Wales was spotted giving her husband a stealthy "bum pat"—the second one caught on camera this year. If you recall, she had also made the cheeky gesture at the BAFTAs back in February.
Anyway, off the *back* of that and the rest of their demeanor throughout the day, body language expert Judi James compared the Waleses' public displays to those of the King and Queen—and she had some valuable insights to share.
"The King and Queen are more like a ventriloquist act, both muttering asides to the other in a way that doesn't look like real conversation but the ability to mutter may feel comforting for them both at events like this," James explained to the Mirror.
"They often overlap in their speech, which again suggests it's a mutual support and comfort tool rather than a way of conversing verbally. There is no eye contact."
While this is a really sweet habit, James feels that the Waleses are a bit more direct in their shows of affection towards each other while in public.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"William and Kate always show signals of attentive listening to each other and here they did their signature ritual of adding either touch or truncated touch to communicate with both words and non-verbal gestures that show emotion," she said.
"Kate even did her now signature bum-pat gesture, and the couple tend to use eye contact and exchange smiles as they speak."
OK, I don't know if doing something twice actually does qualify as a "signature," but all I know is that it's a very fun move from Kate, and I enjoy the sense of humor it shows in her.

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Underrated New Balance Sneakers Are Priyanka Chopra's Athleisure Hero
They're the star of her latest look.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Travis Kelce's Mom Reportedly "Liked" a Comment About His Future as a Dad
...and then removed it.
By Lia Beck
-
Prince Louis Will Soon Be Allowed a Special Privilege That Prince George and Princess Charlotte Already Have
The youngest Wales child will turn 7 on April 23.
By Kristin Contino
-
Royal Sources Give Update on "Distant" Relationship With Prince Harry and King Charles
Insiders close to the Duke of Sussex have revealed whether there is a chance at reconciliation in the near future.
By Kristin Contino
-
Duchess Sophie Stepped Up to Represent King Charles at Event Amid Calls for King Charles to "Slow Down"
The Duchess of Edinburgh filled in for The King at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
By Kristin Contino
-
Queen Camilla Uses a "Signal" from Queen Elizabeth's Playbook to Get King Charles to Shut Up When He "Talks For Too Long"
Royal author Robert Hardman said "tours don't go nearly as well" when Queen Camilla isn't "around."
By Kristin Contino
-
Why King Charles Abdicating Would Cause a "Crisis" for Prince William and the Royal Family
Princess Kate and Prince William have been preparing "for their future positions as king and queen."
By Amy Mackelden
-
James Middleton Reveals Middleton Family "Prerequisite" Prince William Met Before Marrying Kate
Princess Kate's little brother opened up about one of his brother-in-law's personality traits.
By Kristin Contino
-
Royal Expert Explains Why Prince George Is Seen Publicly More Often Than Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
"It is important for the royal image that you have this balance."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Former Royal Butler Shares "Sweet" Reason Why Working With King Charles and Queen Camilla on Easter Was a "Disaster"
Grant Harrold revealed how The King and Queen treated their staff during the holiday.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Alleged "Olive Branch" Prince Harry Offered to Kate Middleton and Prince William During U.K. Visit
The Duke of Sussex's decision was reportedly an effort "to make peace."
By Amy Mackelden