From meeting as students at St Andrews University in 2001 to becoming proud parents to three children, royal fans have delighted in the Prince and Princess of Wales‘s ‘fairytale’ love story.
That said, in the early years of their marriage the couple seemed to model themselves on the Queen and Prince Philip who were always formal in public and were rarely seen holding hands or displaying affection.
Fast forward to the present day, however, and the couple are much more relaxed about public displays of affection (PDA).
Indeed, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, they look like they’re in a ‘second honeymoon era’ following a tumultuous period for the couple.
From flirty glances to coy smiles and gentle touches, there have been numerous ‘public signs of true love in recent months’ forged by a ‘closeness that comes with having to face, together with their young family, the malign threat of cancer,’ Mr Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail.
Last year, royal fans were left swooning when the couple publicly marked Valentine’s Day for the first time by taking to X and Instagram to post an adorable picture of the couple in the grounds of the Sandringham Estate in the summer of 2024.
Showcasing the pair’s enduring love, the photo was set against a stunning woodland backdrop and was a still taken from Kate’s deeply emotive video in which she announced she had completed her chemotherapy treatment that September.
‘It clearly mirrored the depths of their mutual affection,’ Mr Fitzwilliams added.
As the loved-up Prince and Princess of Wales enter their so-called ‘second honeymoon era’, it is clear that they are unafraid of showcasing public displays of affection (PDA). Pictured: the adorable image used by the couple to publicly celebrate Valentine’s Day last year
From flirty glances to coy smiles and gentle touches, their PDA-packed relationship has been forged by a ‘closeness that comes with having to face, together with their young family, the malign threat of cancer,’ said Richard Fitzwilliams
He also added that the powerful image will no doubt have left royal fans eagerly anticipating what this year’s romantic holiday will bring – as the prince and princess soon approach 15 years of marriage.
‘To judge by their body language during their two-day trip to Scotland, we should be expecting something special for Valentine’s Day this year,’ he remarked.
Indeed, when the Prince and Princess of Wales, also the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, travelled north of the Border in January for a two-day engagement, the pair snuck in numerous subtle romantic moments, from gentle touches to loving looks.
‘They were very flirty and touchy-feely,’ observed Mr Fitzwilliams.
In once instance, William – ever the gentleman – helped his wife come onto the ice at the National Curling Academy in Stirling while they tried their hand at the sport, carefully guiding her, and making sure she’s safe.
Though they’re known for their competitive streaks, both were pictured smiling profusely at the other’s efforts as they took part.
William started confidently, with the princess uttering words of support, saying: ‘You’re doing very well.’
Elsewhere, while Kate, 44, was undertaking a lesson in weaving tartan, her husband dutifully held her custom coat – designed by famed Savile Row tailor Chris Kerr – in the background, letting the princess take centre stage.
When the Prince and Princess of Wales, also the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, travelled north of the Border in January for a two-day engagement, the pair snuck in numerous subtle romantic moments, from gentle touches to loving looks
In October, during a trip to Northern Ireland, Kate was photographed affectionately placing her hand on William’s back
In April, the couple were captured looking lovingly at one another when they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary during a very special visit to Scotland’s Isle of Mull
And while chatting with well-wishers on a walkabout, the loved-up pair couldn’t keep their hands off one another, with William, 43, putting his arm around Kate to pose for a photo with a fan.
In October, the besotted couple delighted royal fans as they beamed at one another during a trip to Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, in a particularly tender scene during the day, Kate was photographed affectionately placing her hand on William’s back before the royal couple rode in a fire truck and watched trainee firefighters take part in drills.
Then, in November, William left royal fans swooning when he was captured delicately kissing his wife’s hand when they attended the Royal Variety Performance in London.
Yet even earlier that year the pair looked more loved up than ever when they joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at the VE Day celebrations in London – placing their hands on one another’s backs in a supportive gesture.
Meanwhile, just a month prior, the couple were captured looking lovingly at one another when they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary during a very special visit to Scotland’s Isle of Mull.
In a mark of the momentous occasion, Kate and William also posted an incredibly romantic picture to their official Kensington Royal social media accounts which showcased the pair lovingly holding each other as they enjoyed a quiet moment at dusk in Tobermory.
And when the Prince and Princess made their first joint engagement in Wales for more than a year in February 2025, they were seen holding hands as they walked through Cardiff Central station.