Royals holding hands: all the times the family supported one another


The royal family's sweet way of showing affection


royals holding hands© Photo: Getty Images
Melanie Macleod
Melanie MacleodDeputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor
September 15, 2022

Following Queen Elizabeth II's coffin procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, her grandson Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, could be seen holding hands on the sombre occasion.

SEE: Prince Harry overcome with emotion following moving procession

They weren't the only royal family members to support one another during the emotional time, though. Prince Harry's cousin Zara Tindall was seen holding her husband, Mike Tindall's hand, too. While there is much discussion about Harry and Meghan's tactile displays of affection, it's not unheard of for members of the royal family to hold hands during public engagements.

WATCH: King Charles, Princess Anne and Princes William, Harry, Edward and Andrew, walk behind Queen Elizabeth's coffin

From Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, to the Prince and Princess of Wales, read on for the emotional occasions royals have held hands.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, walk hand-in-hand at an event, both dressed in black.© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle supported each other following Queen Elizabeth II's coffin procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.

Group of formally dressed individuals, including a man and woman holding hands, walking in a ceremonial setting.© Photo: Getty Images

The couple, who are parents to Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana, clutched hands as they exited the hall.

Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall walking hand in hand, both dressed formally.© Photo: Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter, Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall also held hands as they made their way out of Westminster Hall.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, walks with other women in black dresses, holding flowers, past a crowd.© Photo: Getty Images

Earlier during the mourning period for Her Majesty, Sophie Wessex and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor held hands as they greeted crowds at Balmoral.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in a suit, holding hands with a woman in a beige dress and hat.© Photo: Getty Images

As future king, it's rare to see the Prince of Wales hold hands with his wife, Princess Kate, though on this occasion in 2016 they were seen showing a rare display of affection, on a trip to Belfast.

Prince William and Kate Middleton walking hand-in-hand in front of a grand building.© Photo: Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Kate also held hands the day after their wedding, as they set off on their honeymoon.

Charles, Prince of Wales, walks with a woman in white, holding hands, under a UNICEF tent.© Photo: Getty Images

King Charles III can be seen helping his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, on unsteady ground in Pakistan in 2006.

Camilla and Charles, both wearing navy blue, shake hands at an event.© Photo: Getty Images

Ever the gentleman, King Charles III also held hands with his wife to steady her as she dismounted a boat in Portsmouth in 2014.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, walking down steps, holding hands.© Photo: Getty Images

During her 70-year reign, it was rare to see public displays of affection between Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, but the lifelong partners were spotted holding hands in 2015 after leaving a service at St Pauls Cathedral in London.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank walking hand in hand at night.© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi interlinked fingers following a carol concert in December 2021.

Todd Berger and a woman holding hands, walking on a sidewalk at night.© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Eugenie held hands with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, while out and about in London in 2013.

When it comes to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the couple tends to hold hands during every engagement, resulting in plenty of heart-warming photos of the pair holding hands - scroll on for our top picks, and prepare to feel emotional.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walking hand-in-hand, smiling, at a public event.© Photo: Getty Images

The Sussexes looked loved up in London in 2018 in smart evening attire.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walking hand-in-hand, he in a blue suit, she in a green dress.© Photo: Getty Images

On a more formal occasion in 2020, Meghan and Harry held hands as they arrived at the Commonwealth Day Service in London.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, smiling and holding hands on a yellow carpet.© Photo: Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess held one another close on the red carpet at the premiere of The Lion King in 2019.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, shakes hands with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, at an outdoor event.© Photo: Getty Images

March 2018 also saw the couple clutch one another's hands during a walkabout, always providing support to each other.

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