On Sunday night, Kate Middleton and Prince William made their first red carpet appearance since receiving their new titles as the Princess and Prince of Wales. The couple were dressed to the nines, with Kate wearing a dramatic white gown by Alexander McQueen, paired with shoulder length black satin opera gloves, and statement earrings by Zara.
William wore a black suit with a velvet jacket and bowtie, and he looked very dapper. His wife apparently thought he was looking good, too, because she displayed a rare moment of PDA caught on camera by Vogue, who posted it to their TikTok and Instagram account. In the clip, the couple are walking the red carpet when Kate gives William a little pat on the butt in an adorably flirtatious gesture.
The pair rarely get physical in public, mostly walking at a modest distance from one another when out making appearances. This is their first time attending the BAFTAs in a few years, and they were clearly enjoying themselves.
Shortly after Queen Elizabeth’s death in September of 2022, the new King Charles gave a speech recorded in Buckingham Palace’s Blue Drawing Room about making his son and daughter-in-law the new Waleses, as well as bestowing the title of Duke of Cornwall.
“As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades,” he began.
“Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty,” he added. “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given.”
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.