Public displays of affection are rarely a thing for members of the royal family. When they do happen, they tend to come in the form of blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments. Think a grazing of hands or a shared smile rather than a full-on smooch on a red carpet.
At the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling this past Saturday, held at the All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire, multiple royal couples were in attendance – and showed their love in an unexpectedly romantic way.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William led the charge with the subtle displays of affection. Arriving together in a car, the pair caught each other’s eyes and smiled, with William gently placing his hand on Kate’s lower back. But it was later on that the real act of romance occurred – Prince William was seen holding a large umbrella at an angle to shelter his wife from the rain. The couple huddled together so they didn’t get caught in the dreary weather, with each placing a hand on the handle.
Samir Hussein
But the united balancing act didn’t last for long. As Kate waved to royal fans and greeted other guests in attendance, Prince William had to take charge. He appeared to do an excellent job, tilting this way and that despite the winds to ensure Kate’s hat didn’t get damp. Fans of the Prince and Princess of Wales have rushed to compliment the moment, saying William delivered a “10/10” performance.
Samir Hussein
And it looks like the couple didn’t let the damp spoil their mood. William and Catherine were seen sharing a giggle even as the wind threatened to blow over their umbrella.
They weren’t the only royals navigating the winds with an umbrella, nor using it as a sweet relationship moment. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were also in attendance with their respective husbands, and juggled their own rainproofing. In a video of Princess Beatrice’s arrival at the ceremony with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, a lipreader reported the pair discussing the umbrella, with Beatrice allegedly saying: “You look like you’re struggling with the umbrella”. The couple took advantage of a brief pause in the rain to hold hands instead.
Max Mumby/Indigo
The Tindall family were wise enough to each bring their own individual umbrellas – including a delightful unicorn and rainbow print one held by Mike and Zara’s youngest daughter, Lena.
Karwai Tang
Even the newlywed couple had a moment of umbrella-related affection, with the groom, Peter Phillips, holding a giant umbrella in a suitable wedding white shade above his bride, the NHS nurse Harriet Sperling.
Chris Jackson
I have to say, as someone who gets so irritated by my husband’s holding of an umbrella (too low! Too unbalanced! Too much poking me in the head!) that I’d rather just get drenched, I found the harmonious shelter sharing rather romantic. Good on the royals for giving us a new green flag to look out for.