Kate Middleton, Prince William: Couple’s sweet umbrella moment at Royal Ascot

They rarely show any signs of affection in public, making William’s touching gesture to Kate at the Royal Ascot all the more special.

Kate Middleton and Prince William have been married for more than eight years but rarely show PDA in public.

But royal fans were treated to a rare display of affection between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the first day of Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Despite being summer in the UK right now Royal Ascot attendees were forced to find cover as a rain shower hit the festivities.

Fortunately for Kate, William was on hand with an umbrella, with the Prince happy to do the honours of protecting his wife from the rain.

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William was happy to shield his wife from the rain as they chatted to guests. Picture: Adrian Dennis/AFP

The Duchess of Cambridge. Picture: Chris Jackson.

The couple were in high spirits. Picture: Trevor Adams.

The couple looked in high spirits as William acted as umbrella holder for Kate while the pair did the rounds talking to other guests inside the Queen’s royal box.

William’s gesture echoed a similar display between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last year during their visit to Australia.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex faced torrential rain during a day trip to NSW town Dubbo, with Meghan opting to hold an umbrella for Harry as he made a speech.

Meghan’s similar gesture for Harry in Dubbo last October. Picture: Peter Parks/AAP Image/AFP Pool

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Meghan and Harry are well known for their public displays of affection and are frequently photographed holding hands in public.

In contrast William and Kate rarely show PDA, a move that is likely due to William being directly in line for the throne and a senior royal.

Senior royals are said to follow the lead of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, who never hold hands or show affection in public.