While the Prince and Princess of Wales are often seen exchanging gentle touches or soft pecks, a lip-reader has revealed that during their 2022 royal tour of the Caribbean, they engaged in a notably flirtatious conversation. Speaking on Channel 5's Lip-Reading the Royals: What Are They Really Saying?, Nicola Hickling disclosed that the couple turned up the public displays of affection (PDA) while visiting Jamaica four years ago.
Private Conversation at Commissioning Parade
During an inaugural Commissioning Parade for service personnel from across the Caribbean in Kingston, William and Kate were seen smiling as they enjoyed a private conversation. According to Hickling, the subject matter appeared particularly X-rated. Catherine asked her husband if he 'walked in on them,' to which he reportedly replied, 'I did, yeah.' The future King then allegedly said, 'I know I think everyone here is wanting to laugh.'
Flirty Exchange Continues
The conversation turned more sultry as Kate remarked on William's 'smart' military regalia. 'You do know how it makes me feel,' she continued, according to the lip-reader. 'I have some sweets, we can have them when we get home.' William reportedly responded, 'I would love something sweet.' Royal commentators couldn't get enough of the 'cheeky' chat, stating that they're 'not talking about sweets there.'
'That's their love language,' analyst Cristo Foufas shared. Former royal butler Grant Harrold remarked, 'She's paying him a wonderful compliment and saying how it makes her feel. It's getting very heated if I can say that! Which is great, the two of them are in love – why would you not say stuff to your partner?' Actress Nina Wadia found the flirty exchange a refreshing look into the Firm's human side. 'I love it, flirting between the royals!' she told the programme. 'And we finally get to see it, and it's normal and fun.'
Evolution of Their Public Displays of Affection
While ardent public displays of affection from the couple are still rare, William and Kate have certainly become more flirty over the years. From meeting as students at St Andrews University in 2001 to becoming proud parents to three children, royal fans have delighted in their 'fairytale' love story. In the early years of their marriage, the couple seemed to model themselves on the Queen and Prince Philip, who were always formal in public and rarely held hands or displayed affection. Fast forward to the present day, however, and the couple are much more relaxed about PDA.
Last year, royal fans were left swooning when the couple publicly marked Valentine's Day for the first time by posting an adorable picture on X and Instagram. The photo, set against a stunning woodland backdrop at the Sandringham Estate, was a still from Kate's deeply emotive video in which she announced she had completed her chemotherapy treatment in September 2024.
Recent Romantic Moments
In January 2025, the pair travelled north of the Border for a two-day engagement and snuck in numerous subtle romantic moments, from gentle touches to loving looks. At the National Curling Academy in Stirling, William helped his wife onto the ice while they tried their hand at the sport, carefully guiding her and ensuring her safety. Both were pictured smiling profusely at each other's efforts. Elsewhere, while Kate was undertaking a lesson in weaving tartan, her husband dutifully held her custom coat in the background, letting the Princess take centre stage. During a walkabout, William put his arm around Kate to pose for a photo with a fan.
In October, the besotted couple beamed at one another during a trip to Northern Ireland. Kate was photographed affectionately placing her hand on William's back before they rode in a fire truck and watched trainee firefighters take part in drills. In November, William left royal fans swooning when he was captured delicately kissing his wife's hand at the Royal Variety Performance in London. Earlier that year, the pair looked more loved up than ever when they joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at the VE Day celebrations in London, placing their hands on one another's backs in a supportive gesture. Just a month prior, they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary during a visit to Scotland's Isle of Mull, posting an incredibly romantic picture of them lovingly holding each other at dusk in Tobermory. In February 2025, during their first joint engagement in Wales for more than a year, they were seen holding hands as they walked through Cardiff Central station.
Historical Affectionate Moments
While glimpses of their affectionate relationship were rare in the years preceding Kate's cancer diagnosis, they were certainly monumental in their impact. From the first time they were publicly spotted hugging during a ski trip in 2007 to a celebratory hug at the London 2012 Olympic Games, royal fans delighted in seeing William and Kate's tactile side. A decade later, the royal couple shared a particularly affectionate moment after William won a trophy at the Royal Charity Polo Cup, walking with their arms wrapped around each other's waists. In 2023, one particular moment sent royal fans wild as Kate appeared to give her husband a gentle tap on the behind while walking the Bafta red carpet.
