Kate Middleton whispers in Prince William’s ear and him a gentle tap on the behind in rare PDA
Cheeky Kate Middleton gave Prince William a gentle tap on the behind in a rare public display of affection today as they joined Charles and Camilla for the King’s Scottish Coronation.
The Princess of Wales, 41, who is known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, joined other senior royals including her husband the Prince and Charles and Camilla for a regal procession through Edinburgh today.
She and Prince William are due to see the King and Queen presented with the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, at a National Ceremony of Thanksgiving.
The ceremony, at St Giles’ Cathedral, is a key part of Royal Week, with Charles and Camilla undertaking several engagements in Scotland.
And despite the formality of the occasion, it appeared Kate was in a playful mood – at one point in the service, tapping her husband gently on the behind.
Cheeky Kate Middleton gave Prince William a gentle tap on the behind in a rare public display of affection today as they joined Charles and Camilla for the King’s Scottish Coronation
During the ceremony, the Princess of Wales, 41, leant across to exchange a few words with her husband Prince William
The Princess, 41, was dazzling in vibrant royal blue as she arrived for the King’s Scottish Coronation alongside Prince William today
Meanwhile the Princess paid tribute to the late Queen by wearing her pearl choker necklace which was also loaned to Diana. It is the same necklace she wore to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last year (pictured right, the late Queen in the jewels in 1983)
It’s a move Kate has been seeing performing a number of times in the past few months, and continues to be a rare public display of affection for the couple.
She playfully tapped him on the behind during their day at the Royal Ascot last month, and also sent royal fans wild when she performed the same gesture on the red carpet at the BAFTAs in February.
The royal mother-of-three looked regal in the bespoke Catherine Walker coat dress, which she has worn on a number of occasions in the past, as she joined other senior royals for a regal procession through the city.
The design features incredibly neat tailoring, a longer length and a luxe velvet collar.
It also boasts sharp shoulders and angular pockets that accentuate the crisp silhouette.
She last wore the coat dress for Easter Sunday, and also wore the outfit in March 2022 for the Commonwealth Day Service, though she opted for different fascinators each time.
Meanwhile the Princess paid tribute to the late Queen by wearing her pearl choker necklace which was also loaned to Diana. It is the same necklace she wore to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last year.
At today’s event, Kate swept her hair into a stunning up do and opted for neutral makeup, with a sweep of eyeliner and a touch of blusher.
Meanwhile she kept her jewellery simple, opting for a simple pearl bracelet.
The event began at 1.15pm with a People’s Procession along the Royal Mile comprised of 100 individuals from different groups representing various aspects of Scottish life.
At 1.40pm, the Honours of Scotland left Holyroodhouse under a military escort. More than 700 members of the Armed Forces lead the ceremonial elements of the day.
The Stone of Destiny is also featured prominently at the service at St Giles’.
The ceremony, at St Giles’ Cathedral, is a key part of Royal Week, with Charles and Camilla undertaking several engagements in Scotland
The Prince and Princess of Wales stood alongside the King and Camilla as they were presented with the Honours of Scotland today
The royal mother-of-three looked regal in the bespoke Catherine Walker coat dress, which she has worn on a number of occasions in the past, as she joined other senior royals for a regal procession through the city
The Princess of Wales, who is known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, joined William, Camilla and Charles for the event today
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a smile with one another during the service today as they watched performers at the service
The royals appeared particularly enraptured by one of the female performers who sang during the service this afternoon in Edinburgh
The Prince and Princess watched thoughtfully as Hamza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland, gave a reading at the start of the service
Prince William and Kate took their seats alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla for the service in Edinburgh this afternoon
Meanwhile the Princess paid tribute to the late Queen by wearing her pearl choker necklace which was also loaned to Diana. It is the same necklace she wore to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last year
The Princess opted for a coat dress by trusted designer Catherine Walker. The design features incredibly neat tailoring, a longer length and a luxe velvet collar
The National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the presentation of the Honours of Scotland, at St Giles’ Cathedral
The Princess took her seat alongside Prince William and the King and Queen during the service this afternoon (pictured)
Following the ceremony, a tri-service Guard of Honour will receive Their Majesties and Kate and William, before 12 Regiment Royal Artillery deliver a 21-gun salute at Edinburgh Castle. The events will formally conclude with a fly past from the Red Arrows.
Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said: ‘I know that thousands of Scots will line the streets of Edinburgh to pay tribute to the King and welcome the Royal Family, once again, to Scotland.
‘It will be a huge honour to attend the service in my role as Secretary of State for Scotland.’
He added: ‘Scotland’s Armed Forces will play a key role in the service to present The King and Queen with the Honours of Scotland. It is right and fitting that they do.
‘Having been such a crucial part of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, they will now be central to this important moment for King Charles. I very much look forward to seeing our military personnel at their very best.’
Service personnel last took part in the presentation of the Honours of Scotland in 1953, when they were presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The presentation of the Honours of Scotland marks the dedication of the King and Queen in Scotland and has origins dating back to the 1800s, when they were presented to King George IV.
The Prince and Princess both appeared to be in high spirits as they arrived for the event this afternoon at the church in Edinburgh
The Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay while in Scotland arriving for the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla
At today’s event, Kate swept her hair into a stunning up do and opted for neutral makeup, with a sweep of eyeliner and a touch of blusher
She and Prince William will see the King and Queen presented with the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, at a National Ceremony of Thanksgiving
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘Today is a historic day for Scotland and a proud day for the hundreds of service personnel involved who will be at the forefront of the occasion, showcasing their world-class drill and ceremonial duties once again.
‘The Armed Forces have a strong and deep-rooted connection to Scotland, so it is only fitting that they lead the formal proceedings of the day in such a spectacular way.’
Security has been ramped up in Edinburgh ahead of the the event amid sabotage fears by anti-monarchists.
A huge operation was launched after police received intelligence that at least two groups will use the occasion to stage a protest.
Officers have deployed anti-terror measures, including sweeping bins and banning drones in the area around the event.
UK anti-monarchist group Republic has already announced plans to demonstrate along Lawnmarket, yards from where the ceremony will take place.
The Princess accessorised her outfit with a matching clutch bag, heels and fascinator for the occasion in Edinburgh today
The royal mother-of-three was beaming as she arrived at the event in the Scottish capital today, which will see Charles become the Head of State
The Princess shared a smile with her husband as they arrived for the ceremony which will see Charles and Camilla presented with the Honours of Scotland
The Princess could be seen adjusting her sleeve as she arrived for the ceremony in Scotland known as the National Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving
The Princess wore the pearl and diamond choker, which once belonged to the Queen, and was perfectly highlighted by her vibrant blue coat
The Princess opted for a coat dress by trusted designer Catherine Walker. The design features incredibly neat tailoring, a longer length and a luxe velvet collar
She and Prince William are due to see the King and Queen presented with the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, at a National Ceremony of Thanksgiving due to start at 2.15 pm
The Princess of Wales, who is known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, joined other senior royals including her husband the Prince and Charles and Camilla for a regal procession through Edinburgh today
Scottish campaigners from Our Republic will stage a simultaneous protest at Holyrood.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, police lead for the event, said officers will take a ‘proactive engagement approach’ with protesters but that ‘safety is our priority’.
He said: ‘Campaigning and demonstration is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life.
‘Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt the event that risks public safety is not legitimate protest.
‘Officers on the ground have to make assessments to quickly consider whether someone’s behaviour breaches the threshold of criminality.
‘There are a range of factors and circumstances that affect this decision making, as well as any triggers that may lead to wider disruption.
Kate has worn the outfit on a number of occasions in the past, including for the Commonwealth Day Service in 2022 (left) and the Easter Sunday service this year (right)
‘Every situation is unique. Safety is our priority, balanced against people’s rights.’
Fifteen roads have been shut down across the city to make way for the thousands of spectators expected to line the streets.
All traffic will be restricted, including buses and bikes. Council chiefs also warned of possible travel chaos and urged people to plan ahead for journeys.
Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: ‘The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the capital.
‘We have to be prepared for disruption across the city, particularly in the Old Town. We’re working to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated.
‘For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to plan ahead.’
It comes amidst a busy week for the Princess of Wales, after she attended Wimbledon yesterday alongside Roger Federer.
Kate put on a friendly display as she welcomed close pal Roger to a special ceremony in SW19.
The Princess was among those enthusiastically applauding as Federer, 41, was honoured for his stellar sporting achievements on Centre Court following his retirement from the game last year.
Meanwhile his wife Mirka watched on in the Royal Box, where other guests included Prince Michael of Kent and his daughter Lady Gabriella and former Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha.
As the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’s patron and a sports fan, the Princess of Wales is a regular of the Royal Box and has cultivated a strong bond with the eight-times Wimbledon winner.
It’s highly likely she’ll attend the tournament for a second time during the next week or two.
Meanwhile she also released a video alongside Prince William which saw the pair surprising healthcare workers at a tea party marking the NHS’s 75th anniversary.
William and Kate, both 41, arrived early for the NHS Big Tea party to help lay the tables, put the finishing touches to a birthday cake and even try their hand at piping icing on cup cakes.
Asked to help decorate some of the cakes, William was decidedly more heavy-handed than his keen baker wife as he piped on a decidedly generous helping of icing.
‘Is that any good?’ he asked, as Kate burst out laughing, putting her hand over her mouth.
The event at St Thomas’ Hospital in London was hosted by NHS Charities Together – of which William and Kate are Patrons – and television presenter Mel Giedroyc, who previously presented the Great British Bake Off.
And that’s not the end to her appearances this week – with the Princess also set to attend the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2023 at Guards Polo Club tomorrow.
The royal will be cheering on her husband Prince William, who is due to play in the tournament.