Prince William and Kate Middleton’s sweet moment at Order of the Garter ceremony

Eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to spot a very charming detail during Kate and William’s appearance at a historic royal ceremony.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed a sweet detail about this picture of the Princess of Wales, alongside the Duchess of Edinburgh, at this year’s Order of the Garter ceremony. Picture: Henry Nicholls/Pool/AFP

Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a sweet moment at the Order of the Garter service on Monday – and it provided de ja vu for many royal fans.

The Prince and Princess of Wales joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and other members of their family at St George’s Chapel in Windsor for the historic ceremony.

Kate – looking characteristically elegant in her spotted Alessandra Rich dress and Philip Treacy hat – beamed at her husband as he made his way in a procession with the King and Queen and other senior royals down to the Lower Ward at Windsor Castle.

The Princess of Wales shot a huge smile at her husband as he walked past. Picture: Henry Nicholls – WPA Pool/Getty Images

And as eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed – it made for an almost identical picture to one taken nine years ago.

In the image taken in 2014, a similarly-radiant Kate was seen smiling at her husband, dressed in his ceremonial robes, as he walked past with his father.

In both the 2014 and 2023 versions, she is standing with Sophie on her right – who was previously known as the Countess of Wessex.

William and Kate shared an almost identical moment during the 2014 service. Picture: Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool /Getty Images

One fan posted both images side-by-side on Twitter, captioning it: “History repeating itself … Their love is everything.”

The Order of the Garter ceremony was founded around 700 years ago by Edward III, who was inspired by tales of King Arthur and his round table.

The modern-day Order includes the King, who is the Sovereign of the Garter, senior members of the family, and a maximum of twenty-four knights who are selected by the monarch in recognition of their service in public office, a contribution to national life, or personal service to the Sovereign.

There’d been speculation over whether or not the Duke of York would be permitted to take part in this year’s service – given he was unexpectedly allowed to wear his ceremonial Garter robes to the coronation after a last-minute change – but was excluded, after all.

He did, however, attend the lunch in his role as a Royal Knight Companion.

The couple left in a horse-drawn carriage from the Chapel following the service. Picture: Henry Nicholls/Pool/AFP

William, Kate, Sophie and Edward shared a friendly chat after the procession. Picture: Yui Mok-WPA Pool/Getty Images

Earlier, there was drama at the scene when a member of the Life Guards, a unit of the Household Cavalry, fainted in the scorching temperature, just moments before the royals arrived for the ceremony.

The soldier collapsed in the heat. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth/Pool/AFP

He was helped to his feet by officials nearby. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth-WPA Pool/Getty Images

The soldier was wearing the full ceremonial kit before collapsing facedown in the heat.

He then had to be helped to his feet by a police officer and other officials, as other members of the Armed Forces marched past.

He was given medical attention, although it’s not clear whether he needed to be taken to hospital.