Prince William Shows Kate Middleton Love with Display of PDA During German State Visit

Prince William let his love for Kate Middleton show with a sweet display of PDA during the state visit from Germany.

On Dec. 3, cameras captured the Prince of Wales, 43, rubbing his wife’s back for a few moments as they viewed a special exhibit of items relating to Germany from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room of Windsor Castle.

As seen in footage shared to X, William put his hand on Kate’s back during the tour as they spoke to someone.

The subtle gesture marked his latest display of PDA towards her. The Prince of Wales has been more tactile in public with his wife, also 43, after she announced that she was receiving treatment for cancer in March 2024 and said in January that she is in remission.

“They are happy for people to see them be touchy-feely,” royal expert and biographer Ingrid Seward previously told PEOPLE. “They’re in a different phase of their life now. William is very protective and very proud of her for coming through this and carrying on with her life.”

While older generations of royals including the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip refrained from overt public displays of affection, there are no rules regarding how affectionate royal couples can act towards one another in public. Instead, it’s at their own discretion.

“Senior members of the royal family would likely not be told how to interact or when they can or can not show PDA and would be trusted to use their better judgment as to when it’s appropriate,” royal etiquette expert Myka Meier, founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette, previously told PEOPLE. “The royals often adjust PDA to mirror the formality of the event they are attending.”

During the Royal Collection tour, William briefly touched Kate’s back in a sure but subtle move.

On Nov. 19, Prince William gave Princess Kate a chivalrous kiss on the hand before they hopped out of their car to attend the Royal Variety Performance in London. In a video shared to X by royal editor Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, William fixed his bowtie and lifted Kate’s hand towards his lips for an air kiss.

The cute move wasn’t the only romantic moment between them that evening, as Kate gave her husband a look of love as they walked the red carpet and William put his hand on her back as they entered Royal Albert Hall.

The glam night out marked the couple’s return to the red carpet for the first time in two years, as Princess Kate reduced her duties in 2024 while undergoing treatment for cancer.

While appearing on an October episode of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, Prince William opened up about just how difficult last year was.

“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year that I’ve ever had,” William said. “Trying to sort of balance protecting the children, Catherine, my father needs a bit of protection, but he’s, you know, he’s old enough to do that himself as well.”

In February 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment, which continues into this year.

“But it’s important that my family feels protected and has the space to process a lot of the stuff that’s gone on last year, and that was tricky trying to do that and keep doing the job,” William said.