'Symbolic' meaning behind 'intimate' photo of Prince William and Kate Middleton
The photo was taken at the 2021 Earthshot Awards
A touching behind-the-scenes photograph of Prince William and Kate Middleton has been revealed to carry a deeper meaning, according to royal photographer Chris Jackson.
The candid image appears in Jackson’s new book Modern Majesty: The British Royal Family in a New Era, which brings together some of the most memorable moments he has captured while documenting the royal family.
‘Intimate’ photo of Prince William and Kate Middleton
The black-and-white photograph was taken during celebrations following the first-ever Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in London in 2021.
In the image, William is dressed in a dark suit while Kate wears a flowing Alexander McQueen gown with a cinched waist.
As the pair lean close together, the princess is seen placing a supportive hand on her husband’s back.
Jackson explained the moment captured a subtle but powerful dynamic in their relationship.
“As she put a comforting hand on his back, no one could have predicted the global reach that the awards have today and the number of lives they’ve touched around the world,” he told HELLO!.
He added that the candid image reflects something deeper about their partnership: “It’s an intimate moment that is symbolic of the support the princess has given her husband throughout.”
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Earthshot Prize Awards
Kate last attended the Earthshot ceremony in 2022 when the event was held in Boston. For the occasion, she wore a striking neon green off-the-shoulder gown by Solace London paired with a vintage emerald choker.
Since then, the princess has taken a step back from attending the environmental awards.
Last year, William travelled to Rio de Janeiro for the ceremony alone. Meanwhile, Kate remained in the UK focusing on family life.
Reports suggested she was helping their children adjust ahead of the family’s relocation to their new Windsor home.
In 2026, William is expected to travel to Mumbai, India, for the next Earthshot ceremony. It remains unclear whether Kate will join him for the visit.
The city holds special significance for the couple, who visited Mumbai in 2016 during an extensive royal tour of India.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘unusual’ sleeping arrangements
Meanwhile, a royal author previously opened up about the Waleses’ unusual sleeping arrangements when they lived in Kensington Palace.
The couple’s bedroom was located on the ground floor rather than upstairs, a slightly unusual arrangement for most homes.
William and Kate previously lived in Kensington Palace, where they occupied the spacious Apartment 1A.
Despite the name, royal author Christopher Warwick has explained that these “apartments” are far larger than the term suggests.
Speaking on The Royal Beat, he said the residences are effectively large houses built around palace courtyards.
“They are not flats like the American term for an apartment,” he explained. “Think of them as being these wonderful red brick terrace houses… joined, but separate houses.”
Read more: Prince William’s unexpected public appearance leaves fans in shock
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