The Prince and Princess of Wales had a rare public display of affection during the state banquet with President Trump on Sept. 17

Britain’s William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales.Credit : Phil Noble – WPA Pool/Getty; The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagramt

Kate Middleton and Prince William shared a rare photo of themselves holding hands behind the scenes of the state banquet held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

The Prince and Princess of Wales posted the snap on their Instagram Stories with the text, “behind the scenes” written on top.

The rare public display of affection came as the royal family hosted President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and members of the U.S. delegation, in Windsor, England. Princess Kate, 43, wore a cream and gold lace gown, while the Prince William, also 43, wore a classic black suit decorated with his military honors.

Kate’s gown was designed by Phillipa Lepley, and her tiara, a favorite of the late Princess Diana, is known as the Cambridge Lover’s Knot, Vogue reported.

Princess Kate also wore earrings that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth, as well as the Royal Family Order of King Charles III and the Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II, along with the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order star and sash.

The Princess of Wales later sat beside Trump, 79, at the state dinner.

With 160 honored guests at the banquet, everything from the silverware to the seating was strategically arranged in advance. The processional pairings for the opulent event surprised some royal fans and political followers alike.

The procession of the honored guests began with King Charles, 76, and Trump, followed by Queen Camilla, 78, and Melania, 55.

Kate Middleton and Prince William hold hands during the State Banquet on September 17, 2025.The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram

Behind them walked Prince William, accompanied by Paula Reynolds, a longtime energy executive, who currently serves as the Chair of the National Grid, the U.K.’s high-voltage electric power transmission network.

Kate followed, accompanied by Michael Boulos, a Gen Z business executive who is married to Tiffany Trump, the president’s younger daughter.

At the actual banquet table, Boulos, 28, was seated beside Kate — with Tiffany, 31, sitting four seats down from the Princess of Wales between Cook and David Owen, the spouse of biotech CEO Dame Emma Walmsley.

In a speech at the event, Trump singled out Princess Kate, praising her as “radiant,” “healthy,” and “so beautiful” as she sat to his right.

“Melania and I are delighted to visit with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine. So radiant, so healthy and so beautiful,” Trump said, turning to look at the princess.

Kate looked up at Trump in that moment and smiled graciously in response.

The president continued, “It’s really a great honor. Thank you.”