Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s PDA Might Have Been Their Way of Rebelling Against Royal Life

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s love language has always been touch and affection. Their PDA became notorious when they were members of the royal family, which may have been a shock to some other members of the palace. The warmth shown between the couple, in a family that was always rather chilly to each other, might have been Harry and Meghan’s subtle way of rebelling against royalty protocol. 

In the Duke of Sussex’s 2023 memoir, Spare, he detailed his rather lonely childhood, especially after the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. “As a Royal, you were always taught to maintain a buffer zone between you and the rest of Creation. Even working a crowd, you always kept a discreet distance between Yourself and Them,” he wrote in his book while noting that the “family included distance as well.” He added, “No matter how much you might love someone, you could never cross that chasm between, say, monarch and child. Or Heir and Spare. Physically, but also emotionally.”

Related story Meghan Markle’s Dad Thomas Has Big Feelings About Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet’s Relationship With Their Cousins

With “a nearly zero-tolerance prohibition on all physical contact” except for an occasional “light touching of cheeks,” Harry wasn’t given the love that he craved. When Meghan walked into his life, she brought handholding, sweet caresses, and smooches to the palace. It was exactly what Harry needed in his life — and the dynamic duo has not slowed down six years into their marriage.

In 2018, royal etiquette expert Myka Meier claimed to People that the Sussexes were not breaking the rules. “While Prince Harry and Meghan holding hands is atypical for royal engagements, it is a seemingly welcomed gesture to show unity and celebration of their engagement period,” she noted. “There is no protocol that says they cannot show affection on official engagements, and this gesture makes them relatable and lovable to the public.” 

Even if it wasn’t against royal protocol, Prince William and Kate Middleton don’t share the same love language as Harry and Meghan (and that’s fine, people!). “It is rare to see royal couples holding hands on official outings,” Meier continued. “While we are much less likely to see [William and Kate] holding hands in public, we often see Charles and [Camilla] holding hands – it’s all simply a matter of preference for each couple and is also likely dependent on the nature of the event they are attending. A more serious engagement would warrant a more serious level of professionalism, which each royal is sure to follow.”

The body language of Harry and Meghan has never changed, but it might be a curious note to follow with William and Kate once her health crisis is over. An illness can bring a couple closer together and that might be reflected in their royal engagements once Kate returns to public life.

Related story Meghan Markle’s Dad Thomas Has Big Feelings About Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet’s Relationship With Their Cousins

Click here to see Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s complete relationship timeline.