Meghan Markle’s affectionate nature and physical displays of affection toward her husband, Prince Harry, have reportedly had a noticeable impact on other members of the royal family, particularly Prince William and Kate Middleton. According to royal photographer Karwai Tang, Meghan’s “handsy, very touchy-feely” approach to showing affection has seemingly relaxed the more reserved behaviors of other royals. Tang, who has been photographing Meghan and Harry since before their 2018 wedding, noted that their expressive and demonstrative relationship has influenced the way William and Kate interact in public. While the Prince and Princess of Wales are not typically seen holding hands, they have been observed displaying subtle gestures like a hand on the back or knee, suggesting a shift toward more open expressions of affection. This subtle change in behavior highlights the lasting impact Meghan and Harry’s relationship has had on the royal family’s public demeanor.
Tang, who has had the privilege of capturing Meghan and Harry’s journey over the years, shared his fondness for photographing the couple’s genuine and loving moments. He described them as “very demonstrative” and emphasized how their chemistry translates beautifully in photos. From their earliest days as a couple to their more recent appearances, Tang has witnessed firsthand how Meghan and Harry’s affectionate nature has not only captured the attention of the public but also seemed to inspire a more relaxed approach to public displays of affection among other royals. This shift is particularly evident in the way William and Kate have begun to incorporate more subtle yet meaningful gestures into their public interactions, reflecting a slightly more modern and personal approach to royal etiquette.
The report comes on the heels of Meghan and Harry’s recent public displays of affection, including a passionate kiss at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games 2025. Meghan was seen tenderly holding Harry’s face as they shared a sweet smooch, a moment that was captured by photographers and quickly made headlines. The couple was also photographed holding hands throughout the ceremony, further showcasing their loving and supportive relationship. This public affection was echoed in a Valentine’s Day post on Meghan’s Instagram account, where she shared an intimate photo of her and Harry kissing. In the caption, she expressed her pride in Harry’s work with the Invictus Games and playfully mentioned enjoying favorite foods together, adding a personal and endearing touch to the post.
In a similar display of affection, William and Kate shared a rare candid photo on Valentine’s Day, showing William giving Kate a gentle kiss on the cheek during an outdoor walk. The photo, captioned with a simple heart emoji, marked a rare moment of public affection for the usually reserved couple. This small but meaningful gesture seemed to reflect the influence of Meghan and Harry’s more openly affectionate approach to their relationship. While William and Kate have always been known for their strong and supportive partnership, their public displays of affection have historically been more subdued, making this moment all the more notable.
Despite the apparent influence Meghan’s affectionate nature has had on the royal family, not everyone has been entirely comfortable with her tactile approach. Palace insiders recently revealed to British journalist Tom Quinn that William and King Charles III sometimes felt “uncomfortable” with Meghan’s touchy-feely displays during her time in the UK. According to these sources, Meghan’s “tactile manner” occasionally caused the royal family members to “flinch,” highlighting the cultural and generational differences in how physical affection is perceived and expressed within the monarchy. While Meghan’s approach to affection has resonated with many and inspired a more relaxed attitude among some royals, it has also underscored the challenges of blending modern personal styles with traditional royal protocols.
In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s affectionate and expressive nature has left a lasting impact on the royal family, particularly in the way William and Kate have begun to incorporate more subtle yet meaningful gestures into their public appearances. While her tactile approach has been embraced by many, it has also highlighted the complexities of navigating personal expression within the constraints of royal tradition. As the royal family continues to evolve, Meghan and Harry’s influence serves as a reminder of the power of genuine affection and the importance of embracing modern values while respecting the legacy of the monarchy.
