Prince William and Kate Middleton are redefining how the Royal Family interacts with the public, opting for love over formality as they take more control over their messaging. The past year has been particularly difficult, with Kate’s battle with cancer and William admitting that 2024 was “the hardest year of my life.” But rather than retreating behind palace walls, the Prince and Princess of Wales are evolving their approach—cutting out royal intermediaries and speaking directly to the public.
On February 14, 2025, Kensington Palace’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a rare personal moment—an affectionate photo of William and Kate in the woods, accompanied by a simple heart emoji. This marked their first-ever official Valentine’s Day post, breaking from the typically reserved royal protocol.
Royal expert Kate Mansey of The Times describes this shift as an “evolution” in how William and Kate engage with the public. They are increasingly bypassing traditional palace PR structures, opting to share their own messages on their own terms.
“When they have something important to impart, William and Kate want to say it themselves without their words being taken out of context,” said a palace insider.
This direct communication approach was also evident when Kate personally announced updates on her health, rather than having a palace spokesperson deliver the news. It’s a stark contrast to the rigid communication style long associated with the monarchy.
The Valentine’s Day photo appears to have been taken during the same family outing featured in Kate’s September 2024 video, where she announced the conclusion of her cancer treatment. The video was praised for its authenticity, showing Kate in a natural, heartfelt setting.
Is William softening his stance on royal PDA?
William has historically been known for his strict adherence to royal traditions, often appearing more formal and reserved. Spare, Prince Harry’s memoir, even highlighted his brother’s aversion to public displays of affection.
However, the hardships of the past year may have shifted William’s perspective. This newfound willingness to show warmth and openness raises the question—could this be the first step toward reconciliation with Harry?
While it’s too early to say whether this means bridging the royal divide, one thing is clear: William and Kate are forging their own path, balancing modern relatability with royal duty.