Meghan Markle, Prince Harry
There is no royal rule that says Meghan Markle and Prince Harry cannot hold hands in public. Pictured: Markle, Prince Harry attend a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games 2017 at Nathan Philips Square on Sept. 25, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been spotted holding hands ever since they confirmed that they were dating. Following their engagement, they also held hands during their first interview, as well as their first official appearance on Friday.

However, Prince William and Kate Middleton never held hands or showed any forms of affection towards each other publicly until they got married.

Royal etiquette expert Myka Meier explained why Markle and Prince Harry have opted to be affectionate towards each other in public, and not Prince William and Middleton.

“While Prince Harry and Meghan holding hands is atypical for royal engagements, it is a seemingly welcomed gesture to show unity and celebration of their engagement period. There is no protocol that says they cannot show affection on official engagements, and this gesture makes them relatable and lovable to the public,” she told People.

Unlike Prince William and Middleton, Markle and Prince Harry have taken on a more modern approach to their new role as a couple. Meier also said that holding hands or being affectionate in public is just a matter of preference. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are also seen holding hands and kissing in public.

“It’s all a matter of preference for each couple and is also likely dependent on the nature of the event they are attending. A more serious engagement would warrant a more serious level of professionalism, which each royal is sure to follow,” she added.

Markle and Prince Harry announced their engagement on Monday, Nov. 27 via a statement from the palace. They shared their proposal story, among many other things, during their first sit-down interview with BBC thereafter. The couple also confirmed that their wedding will take place sometime in May, and it will be held at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

On Friday, the couple graced their first royal engagement in Nottingham. The former “Suits” star was photographed wearing a full-length cashmere mix double-breasted coat in navy blue.

Sideone Goldman, a U.K. press agent for Wolford said that she looked elegant yet understated.

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