Kate Middleton and Prince William Turn Heads with Rare Public Display of Affection at Polo Event 💕 In a moment royal fans never expected, the future King and Queen were seen kissing, holding hands, and sharing intimate smiles throughout the outing—leaving onlookers stunned by their unusually affectionate behavior. Insiders say the couple is “happy for people to see them be touchy-feely,” sparking fresh conversations about their relationship and what may have changed behind palace doors.

Kate Middleton and Prince William were feeling the love on the polo pitch.

The Princess of Wales was a supportive spouse, watching from the sidelines as her husband took the field for a charity polo game on Friday, July 10. After the match, Kate and William engaged in some rare public displays of affection, including a kiss to congratulate the royal heir on his team’s win.

As the couple, both 44, walked off the field, Kate put a supportive hand on her husband’s back before they were seen holding hands.

The pair were likely more open with their loving gestures given the laidback nature of the outdoor sporting event. Although there are no official rules regarding how affectionate royal couples can act towards one another in public, for more formal occasions and official royal events, Prince William and Princess Kate usually refrain from excessive PDA.

“Senior members of the royal family would likely not be told how to interact or when they can or can not show PDA and would be trusted to use their better judgment as to when it’s appropriate,” Ladies of London star and royal etiquette expert Myka Meier previously told PEOPLE.

The founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette added, “The royals often adjust PDA to mirror the formality of the event they are attending.”

Prince William and Princess Kate have been more tactile with each other in public after she announced that she was receiving treatment for cancer in March 2024. (She announced in January 2025 that she is in remission.)

“They are happy for people to see them be touchy-feely,” royal expert and biographer Ingrid Seward previously told PEOPLE. “They’re in a different phase of their life now. William is very protective and very proud of her for coming through this and carrying on with her life.”

The annual polo game raises money for charities and causes supported by the Prince and Princess of Wales. This year’s event marked the royal heir’s 15th time participating, and the event was expected to raise over $20 million for the organizations.

The 2026 cup is benefiting Wales Air Ambulance, The Royal College of Paramedics, Shout, Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice, Forward Trust, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Maternal Mental Health Alliance, We Are Farming Minds, The Passage and Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

The charity polo game was just the start of a sporty weekend for the Prince and Princess of Wales’ family. Kate attended both the ladies’ and men’s singles finals at Wimbledon over the following two days, with Prince William and their two eldest children — Prince George and Princess Charlotte — joining her for the tennis tournament on Sunday.