5 Times Prince William Broke Major Royal Protocols for Princess Kate

As the heir to the throne, Prince William has spent most of his life preparing to for the throne, which means following royal traditions has always been a must. That said, his relationship with Princess Kate has also pushed him to do away with certain royal conventions. From their university days to their life as senior working royals, William has moved away from several royal protocols. Some were personal decisions, while others showed just how much the monarchy's approach to marriage, family and public appearances has changed.

Long before Kate became a future Queen, William was already willing to take their relationship outside the traditional royal mold. While they were both studying at St Andrews, they decided to move in together in a shared house with friends for their second year. At that time, neither of them was engaged nor married, and the arrangement was hardly conventional for a future King, particularly when compared to the more formal courtship traditions the royal family had followed for generations.

While over the years William broke several protocols for Kate, their wedding in itself was an unconventional decision on his part. Kate was a commoner with no aristocratic title when she married William, and the couple's wedding incorporated several personal choices that made their 2011 ceremony feel more personal than some previous royal weddings, which were major state affairs.

When Kate gave birth to Prince George in July 2013, William was by her side inside the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital. While the royal family had followed the 'no father in the delivery room' tradition, William did not follow along and decided to be there by his wife to support her.

William and Kate have generally maintained a restrained public image, but there have been moments when the future King has clearly let that formality slip. While the royals are known to follow a strict 'no touch' public etiquette code, William completely bypassed it on many occasions, the most recent being during the July 2026 Charity Polo Match in Windsor. The Prince was seen in a jovial mood as he kissed Kate and wrapped his hands around Kate's back during the official awards presentation.

William has also appeared increasingly comfortable allowing Kate to take centre stage during joint engagements. Royal biographer Simon Vigar recently, in a conversation with Hello, described the Prince as someone who “visibly relaxes” when Kate is nearby and said William is “very happy” for her to take the spotlight. Vigar compared their dynamic with the relationship between Charles and Diana or even to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, saying William and Kate are clearly a “double act.” Rather than competing for attention or following the hierarchy, William appears happy to let Kate lead conversations or command the room.