Since then, the couple have been noticeably more tactile and expressive during public engagements. On Christmas Day at Sandringham, following the traditional church service, Kate embraced 73-year-old Karen Maclean from North Lincolnshire, who said she had also been suffering from cancer. Maclean called the hug a ‘privilege’ and described it to The Sun as a ‘surreal moment. You get a camaraderie with other cancer victims. Unless you’ve been on that journey, you can’t understand what it’s like.’ Meanwhile, during a recent investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Prince William broke with royal custom to hug teacher Wendy Daunt, who was honoured for her work in the deaf community, as he appointed her OBE. ‘Deaf culture is we always have a hug so I quickly said, without thinking: “Can I have a hug?” His eyes were looking from one to the other thinking, “No, we’re not allowed” – but he did,’ Daunt told the BBC.
Clearly, Prince William is taking his wife’s lead when it comes to fostering a more low-key royal image. That was made clear on the Prince’s birthday, with a photograph posted to the family’s official Instagram account that showed William not in full military regalia or conducting a royal engagement, but sitting on the grass in a pair of jeans and a casual shirt, surrounded by the family dogs. ‘Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!’ read the caption to the adorable shot, in which the Prince looked happy, relaxed and every inch the family man.
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