It goes without saying that Westminster Abbey is a place that holds great meaning for the Prince and Princess of Wales: After all, Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot there in 2011. It’s also home to Kate’s annual “Together at Christmas” concert and where they toasted King Charles’s coronation—a moment that placed them next in line to the throne—back in 2023. But that’s why, today, as they took their places side-by-side for the annual Commonwealth Day service, I couldn’t help but notice how comfortable and relaxed they appeared. It felt like a marker of time, given everything they’ve endured in the past year, but also a reminder of how many major royal moments we’ve witnessed with Kate and William always coming back to this spot.
Kate Middleton & Prince William Look Relaxed and at Ease in Rare PDA on Commonwealth Day
The look of love is in their eyes
After all, today marks two years since Kate’s last Commonwealth Day appearance following her recovery from what started out as an abdominal surgery early in 2024, but later was revealed to be a cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales shared last fall that she had completed her cancer treatment and was looking ahead following a rocky year, but to see her laughing and leaning in toward William as they waited for the service to begin nearly a year to the day from her health announcement felt calming and comforting.
There’s even more to remind us of the passage of time: It was just five years ago that we saw Kate and William, then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, side-by-side in similar seats, but adjacent to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were making their final appearance as senior royals in March 2020. At that time, the mood was tense—and we later learned the brothers were barely speaking—a major contrast to their vibe today.
Even just William’s appearance—beard included—sets a tone that feels more at ease than Westminster Abbey occasions of the past. The royal calendar is nothing if not consistent, so to be able to compare and contrast one year to the next with something like Commonwealth Day is what makes it easier to notice Kate and William’s evolution. In other words, they’ve been through a lot from this vantage point—their exchanged glances and good humor from today are something that felt joyful, but also hard-earned.
Of course, royal protocol tends to restrict grand displays of PDA, but recently, the Prince and Princess of Wales have been showing off a more affectionate side. For example, a romantic photo from Valentine’s Day, posted to their Instagram account in February; also, a video of the pair holding hands during a royal engagement in Wales later that same month.
We’re here for it—and hoping the mood today is a marker of a more low-key year ahead for Kate and William, but also the royal family as a whole.
