MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

The Awkward Moment When Prince Harry Rejected Meghan Markle’s Attempt To Hold Hands In Public

This video will make you cringe - by Pippa Nerada
  • 02 Jul 2018

It's an unspoken royal rule that Prince William and Kate Middleton have down to a tee: no PDA in public. But it's a lesson Meghan Markle learned the hard way at a recent royal event, when her husband avoided holding her hand when she reached out for his.

As evidenced in this video obtained by The Sun, the unfortunate moment occurred at the Young Leaders Reception at Buckingham Palace. Markle reaches for Prince Harry's hand, prompting him to quickly move his hands away and hold them in front of his body instead - a bit of an awkward stance when you're still walking.

meghan markle prince harry holding hands
Getty

Of course, this doesn't mean there's trouble in paradise - Prince Harry is simply adhering to royal etiquette in the Queen's presence. As body language expert Robin Kermode told the MailOnline, "The Queen rarely holds hands with her husband in public and this seems to have set an unwritten precedent for the other royals."

"It is very clear that William and Kate are emotionally close, however, they do not seem to feel the need to prove their love—particularly when on official state business," she adds.

Speaking on Kate Middleton and Prince William's lack of PDA, royal etiquette expert Myka Meier told PEOPLE, "There is no actual etiquette or royal protocol that says the couple must refrain from PDA."

"The likely reasoning is more that while traveling on a tour such as the India trip, technically the couple are working representatives of British Monarchy. The couple are likely to show very little PDA, if any, to remain professional during their designated roles abroad." 

  • News
  • Royals
  • Meghan Markle

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

 Meghan Markle Is A Raven Red Queen As She Returns To The Red Carpet

Meghan Markle Is A Raven Red Queen As She Returns To The Red Carpet

You Don’t Have To Like Meghan Markle, But You Should Rethink Why You Hate Her

You Don’t Have To Like Meghan Markle, But You Should Rethink Why You Hate Her

Prince Harry Clarifies Which Royal Was Concerned About Archie's Skin Colour

Prince Harry Clarifies Which Royal Was Concerned About Archie's Skin Colour

Meghan Markle Tells Oprah She Reached A Mental Health "Breaking Point"

Meghan Markle Tells Oprah She Reached A Mental Health "Breaking Point"

{headline}

{headline}

YouTubers Have Tricked Royal "Experts" Into Lying And Pretending They've Seen Harry And Meghan's Interview

YouTubers Have Tricked Royal "Experts" Into Lying And Pretending They've Seen Harry And Meghan's Interview

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex To Lose Their HRH Titles

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex To Lose Their HRH Titles

Meghan Markle Is Already Busy Paving Her Post-Royal Career Path

Meghan Markle Is Already Busy Paving Her Post-Royal Career Path

{headline}

{headline}

A Brief History Of The Royals Who Stepped Down From Their Duties

A Brief History Of The Royals Who Stepped Down From Their Duties

Why Harry And Meghan Were Turned Away From A Top Canadian Restaurant

Why Harry And Meghan Were Turned Away From A Top Canadian Restaurant

We Can’t Stop Watching This Video Of Prince Harry Dressed As Santa Claus

We Can’t Stop Watching This Video Of Prince Harry Dressed As Santa Claus

Meghan Markle's 'Suits' Co-Star Warned Her Life Would "Change Forever" Before Royal Wedding

Meghan Markle's 'Suits' Co-Star Warned Her Life Would "Change Forever" Before Royal Wedding

Queen Removes Harry And Meghan Photograph From Her Audience Room

Queen Removes Harry And Meghan Photograph From Her Audience Room

Harry And Meghan Might Have To 'Renounce Royal Privileges' For South Africa Move

Harry And Meghan Might Have To 'Renounce Royal Privileges' For South Africa Move

Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Announce Name Of Their New Foundation

Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Announce Name Of Their New Foundation

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire