Prince William's rare public display of affection for Kate Middleton on date night
PRINCE WILLIAM and Kate stepped out for a mid-week date night in central London this week, taking a break from parenting duties to enjoy a theatre performance.
Kate Middleton and Prince William arrive at Noel Coward Theatre
The couple headed to the Noel Coward Theatre in the West End for a special viewing of the musical Dear Evan Hansen. As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walked into the venue William was spotted reaching out to put his arm around his 38-year-old wife as they climbed the steps. The duke, 37, is known for remaining poised and professional when in public – and the special moment was a treat for royal fans.
The Cambridges typically do not hold hands when carrying out royal engagements.
Royal watchers say this is a deliberate ploy because they want to be seen as working royals rather than a loved-up couple.
Their style is very different from that of Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38.
When the Sussexes first started carrying out engagements, the pair became known for open displays of affection such as holding hands and sticking by each other’s side.
But now royal fans are preparing for the final countdown to Harry and Meghan’s final event as senior royals.
The Duke of Sussex this week arrived back in the UK to wrap up his last few duties.
The Duchess of Sussex is expected to fly in from Canada early next week.
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It is not known if she will have little Archie in tow or is he will stay in the Great White North with a nanny.
But the couple are expected to stay for a few weeks so the royal tot will likely make his return to Britain with his mum.
The couple are due to attend an event in London on Wednesday.
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Their final engagements include the official opening of the Silverstone UK Experience and Mountbatten Music Festival.
They will also make an appearance at an occasion to mark Independent Women’s Day.
Meanwhile William and Kate are also preparing for a string of royal engagements of their own.
They will leave Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and 22-month-old Prince Louis at home when they head to Ireland on Tuesday.
There they will take in four counties on what will be the first royal tour of Ireland since Brexit.
On Monday, the palace released a statement, saying: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Ireland from Tuesday 3rd March to Thursday 5th March 2020.
“This visit is at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.”
The Cambridges will “take in Ireland’s rich culture, its impactful community and spectacular scenery,” the palace added.
The pair will attend event in Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Galway.