How Prince William and Kate Middleton are changing the face of royal love as they celebrate their love story

The Prince and Princess of Wales delighted royal watchers everywhere when they shared an unprecedented photo to mark Valentine’s Day. 

The photograph was a black and white image taken by Josh Shinner of the future King and Queen in a beautiful garden in Norfolk. 

The image, which was shared alongside a Happy Valentine’s Day message, shows that, unlike generations before them, they are leading the charge in demonstrating their love following a difficult year for the future Queen. 

William and Kate’s partnership and love story are central to the future of the monarchy, and they are not afraid to show their affection for one another, as we’ve increasingly seen over the past few years in the family footage Kate has shared to mark her recovery.  

Traditionally, the royals have tended to avoid public displays of affection, not least because several of the marriages made by the generation above theirs ended in divorce. But William and Kate clearly mean the world to one another, so they are happy to celebrate their love story with the world.

© Getty

Over the years, William and Kate have always made their feelings clear for one another, even more so amid the Princess’s recovery from cancer over the past year. But there were signals from early in their relationship that they were going to do things differently.

One of the big turning points was at the London Olympics in 2012, where they put their deep affections towards each other clearly on the public stage following their marriage one year prior. 

© Pascal Le Segretain

During the games, the couple were particularly affectionate while watching Philip Hindes, Jason Kenny, and Sir Chris Hoy of Great Britain win the gold medal in the Men’s Team Sprint Track Cycling final.

But their enduring love comes from a solid foundation. The couple underwent a long courtship while studying at St Andrews, which is sure to be a very solid foundation for their life together. 

© Getty Images

The long list of personal family portraits shared with the public has seen their physical affections on full display and is something which has been passed down to their children. Photographs such as the one taken by Josh Skinner, shared on Father’s Day, are proof that they are doing things their own way.