Kate Middleton and Prince William’s rare photo: Royal couple hold hands at state banquet.

Kate Middleton and Prince William’s rare photo: Royal couple hold hands at state banquet.

Kate Middleton and Prince William’s rare display of public affection has warmed people’s hearts.

A rare moment involving Prince William and Kate Middleton has gone viral on social media. The video shows the royal couple holding hands in a rare display of public affection at the state banquet. King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the event for US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

“A day to remember in Windsor for the State Visit of @potus,” reads a post shared on the official Instagram profile dedicated to the Prince and Princess of Wales. The video is a montage of various shots, including one of the royal couple holding hands.

The picture has also reached X, prompting people to share varied love-filled remarks.

How did social media react?

“Just a gorgeous dress the Princess of Wales is wearing. She looks beautiful,” an individual posted. “Always impeccably dressed with grace and style,” added another.

A third remarked, “I think that’s the most beautiful dress I’ve seen her wearing.” A fourth wrote, “Ooh, I missed the hand holding. I was too mesmerised by her beautiful hair.”

What did Kate Middleton Wear?

Kate Middleton chose a floor-length Phillipa Lepley gown for the occasion and completed her look with a high-necked and long-sleeved gold overlay. She had a blue sash with medals on her lapel and wore one of her favourite tiaras - the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara. The jewellery piece originally belonged to Queen Mary and was later given to Queen Elizabeth II. The Princess of Wales complemented her look with a pearl-encrusted clutch.

What did Prince William wear?

The Prince of Wales was seen in his Windsor Uniform for the lavish gala dinner. He was wearing a white shirt paired with black trousers, a dark navy blazer with a red collar, and a blue sash.

Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Rare Hand-Holding Photo at the State Banquet

On September 17, 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton and Prince William, shared a touching behind-the-scenes photo from the State Banquet held at Windsor Castle in honor of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second official state visit to the United Kingdom. The image, which quickly went viral, captured the royal couple holding hands—a rare public display of affection (PDA) that has delighted fans and highlighted their warm personal connection amid formal royal duties. This moment stood out especially because the couple, like many in the royal family, typically adheres to traditions of restraint in public PDAs.

The Event Context.

The State Banquet was part of a multi-day state visit hosted by King Charles III, marking Trump’s return to the UK for such an occasion (his first was in 2019 during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign). The evening featured opulent elements, including floral arrangements from the gardens of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, classical music performances by the 1st Battalion The Scots Guards (such as Puccini’s Nessun Dorma and Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba), and seating for 160 guests strategically planned for diplomacy. The procession began with King Charles and Trump, followed by Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump. Kate and William joined the lineup, with Kate later seated next to Trump at the dinner table.

The visit’s first day included a ceremonial greeting where William and Kate, dressed in maroon attire, welcomed the Trumps upon their arrival via Marine One at Windsor Castle grounds. The banquet emphasized the enduring “special relationship” between the US and UK, with Trump praising the royal family in his speech.

The Photo and Fashion Highlights.

The shared photo shows Kate and William in their white-tie formalwear, exuding elegance. Kate dazzled in a floor-length silk couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley, featuring hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace and a high-necked, long-sleeved gold overlay. She accessorized with the iconic Lover’s Knot Tiara (a heirloom previously worn by Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II) and her hair styled in soft waves. William complemented her in a classic dark suit and tie. Fans on social media raved about the look, with comments like “the most beautiful dress I’ve seen her wearing” and “mesmerised by her beautiful hair,” while the hand-holding moment prompted emotional responses such as “crying happy tears” and praise for their “stunning and powerful” presence.

This isn’t the first time the couple has subtly broken from tradition with PDA—similar moments occurred during a July 2025 state banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron—but the Windsor photo feels particularly intimate as a “behind-the-scenes” glimpse released via their official Instagram account.

Public Reaction.

Social media buzzed with admiration, with outlets like Hindustan Times reporting on the viral video clip of the hand-holding, and users noting how it warmed hearts amid the grandeur. Royal watchers appreciated the blend of formality and affection, seeing it as a modern touch in royal protocol. The image has been described as “rare” due to the couple’s usual reserve, making it a standout from the evening’s photos.

For more visuals and details, check out coverage from People magazine or the official royal social channels. This event underscores the Waleses’ role in bridging tradition and contemporary diplomacy.

Tags: Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Louis, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Meghan, Lilibet

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