The emotion is palpable among the Windsors, a few days before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
This also (and above all) applies to Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton.
According to Richard Palmer, royal correspondent for the
Daily Express
, the new Prince of Wales allegedly told a Briton that accompanying his grandmother's coffin to the Palace of Westminster had been "very difficult" to live with.
Before launching to another: "Don't cry, or I will cry too".
Despite the pain, William like Kate remain restrained, without seeking comfort.
No question of hugging, hugging or even holding hands.
So, coldness or rigor?
Read alsoIn photos, the bows of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton at the passage of the coffin of Elizabeth II
The fault of the protocol
Although modest, Wales in reality simply do not have the right to display themselves in this way.
The protocol requires it, and the rule is clear: the royal couples do not hold hands.
As the future King and Queen of England, they are simply forbidden to act as a couple.
Conversely
, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer subject to this protocol which governs the life of the royal family.
Now withdrawn from the monarchy, the Sussexes therefore no longer hesitate to show signs of affection in public.
Illustration this Saturday, September 10, when the “Fab Four” gathered together in Windsor.
“The Sussexes multiply the gestures of love.
They hold hands, Meghan Markle gently touches the back of her husband.
But it remains respectful, not at all outrageous, “ said
Madame Figaro
Stephen Bunard, expert in non-verbal language.
“On the Wales side, it's a whole different atmosphere.
They are modest, more distant towards each other.
It's a way of showing that their couple is not the priority at that time.
Eventually, Kate and William have already risen to the rank of future King and Queen of England.
We feel they are ready to take over.”
Read alsoThe “modest” Kate and William, Harry and Meghan “in love”: what the gestures and looks of the two couples in Windsor reveal
In video, Kate and William accompany their three children for the start of the school year
Rules already broken
Nevertheless, Kate and William sometimes did not hesitate to break the protocol.
For example, two heirs to the crown are normally not allowed to travel together, in case there is an accident.
However, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall do not apply this rule with his three children George, Charlotte and Louis of Cambridge.
A transgression that would have been authorized by Elizabeth II.