Say goodbye to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s PDA. At least for now. The royal couple is, according to an expert, pulling back on public displays of affection (PDA) for more “regal” body language. The reason? The Princess of Wales, 43, no longer needs “support” from the Prince of Wales, 42, as she continues to ramp up royal duties following her 2024 cancer treatment. 

William and Kate were ‘professional’ on Commonwealth Day

William and Kate were all business at the Commonwealth Day festivities on March 11, 2025. It marked a major “transition” for the pair, body language expert Judi James told Mirror. 

“Since Kate’s illness, they have been extra tactile and totally connected during their public appearances, using every opportunity to use touches, glances or mimed hugs to move together coupled up like ice skaters or ballroom dancers.” 

This was very much not the case for them on Commonwealth Day. Instead, William and Kate took a more subtle route. “Here they performed the equivalent of ‘free’ movement, putting in their professional appearance in a more traditionally regal way,” James said. “But moving while apart in synchronised [sic], mirrored unity as they did so.” 

William gave Kate a ‘playful smile’

Although they’ve certainly toned down their PDA—back in November 2024, the future king and queen couldn’t keep their hands off each other—Commonwealth Day wasn’t entirely PDA free for William and Kate. 

James noted William’s smile when he looked at his wife of nearly 14 years as the pair’s “relaxed approach” to the event had them “in sync.” 

“They walked in together but slightly apart with signs of renewed energy and positivity,” the expert said. “William’s beaming smile projected ongoing pride in his wife. But he avoided all the steering pats and touches that can imply she has some need of support and encouragement.” 

Other times during the outing, William’s smile turned rather “playful,” suggesting a “bashful crush” on Kate. 

Kate Middleton has her ‘mojo back’ a year after cancer announcement 

Nearly a year since Kate’s cancer diagnosis announcement—and six months since remission —it’s practically business as usual. “It certainly seems to me that she has got her mojo back,” Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, told OK. “Catherine is looking fantastic and looks as if she is enjoying every engagement.”

“We are seeing more of her than many of us expected so early in the year,” Bond added, noting, “The welcome she’s getting wherever she goes must make her realize that she is the star of the royal family.” 

Commonwealth Day marked public appearance no. 10 for Kate thus far in 2025. Through it all, though, Kate is going back to work on her “own terms.” That means spending time with her and William’s kids, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.  

“She knows perfectly well that many parents don’t have the luxury of choosing to be with their young children all the time,” Bond told Mirror in a separate interview. “And she, too, is returning to her royal role—but she is lucky enough to be able to do it on her own terms, and she is sticking to that.”

“I don’t think anyone is ever the same after an experience with cancer,” she added. “William and Catherine must now cherish even more every single day that they spend together and with their children.”

So far this year, that’s included a skiing trip and time soaking up the sun on the private island of Mustique. Easter will likely mark the Wales family’s next public appearance after they all stepped out together for Christmas.  

Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.