Prince William places hand on Princess Catherine’s back as Queen Camilla reveals diagnosis

Prince William and Princess Catherine put on a rare display of affection during a state visit, as the Queen opened up about an illness that has been lingering since her trip to Australia.

A proud and fiercely protective Prince William placed a tender hand on Princess Catherine’s shoulder as she made a brief but radiant public appearance amid her ongoing cancer recovery.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were the first to welcome Qatar’s royal family and then travelled with them to join King Charles for a second ceremonial welcome as part of a two-day state visit to London on Tuesday.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William walk together during a ceremonial welcome for the Amir of the State of Qatar at Horse Guards parade. Picture: Getty Images

Prince William places a tender hand on Princess Catherine as they meet the Qatari royal family. Picture: Sky News

Princess Catherine climbs the stairs at Buckingham Palace after the welcome. Picture: Getty Images

The couple looked sensational in matching burgundy outfits.

William made the uncharacteristic public display of affection as he and Kate approached Amir Sheikh Tamim and his wife Sheikha Jawaher.

BREAKING: King Charles is joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales to welcome the Emir of Qatar on a two-day state visit to the UK

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The Prince and Princess, their Qatari counterparts and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer then travelled together in the Australian stage coach which was gifted to Queen Elizabeth by the people of Australia in 1988.

The six horse drawn carriage was our official Australian Bicentennial gift to Queen.

Princess Catherine looked well throughout her brief public foray. Picture: Getty Images.

Everyone rode in style in the Australia stage coach. Picture: AFP

The coach was driven along the Mall to Buckingham Palace. Picture: Getty Images.

It was a gift from the people of Australia for the occasion of our Bicentennial in 1988. Picture: Getty Images

As one of the most modern in the fleet, it boasts features such as electric windows and heating making it a perfect carriage for the likes of visiting royalty.

Upon reaching Horse Guards Parade, the ceremonial parade ground in St James’s Park, a delighted King Charles extended his welcome without Queen Camilla by his side.

The 77-year-old Queen missed the welcoming festivities due to the lingering chest infection which has besieged her ever since her tour of Australia.

Her Majesty has now explained what occurred, saying she had a form of pneumonia.

Queen Camilla told guests at Buckingham Palace she was recovering well, but that she is still experiencing episodic symptoms of fatigue related to the virus that caused the infection.

She was driven to the palace after the procession for the official luncheon.

Queen Camilla arrived at Buckingham Palace separately. Picture: Benjamin Cremel/AFP

Queen Camilla, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, King Charles III and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani at the state banquet. Picture: Aaron Chown/AFP

Victoria and David Beckham attend the state banquet. Picture: Getty Images

The palace confirmed the Queen will be joining the private lunch at Buckingham Palace and the state banquet on Friday evening – events princess Catherine will miss as she saves her strength for her the Christmas carol service she is hosting at Westminster Abbey on Friday.

The ceremony on Friday included presentations, a Guard of Honour who gave a traditional royal salute and the playing of the Qatari national anthem.

During the welcome ceremony, presentations were made, the Guard of Honour who gave a royal salute and the Qatari national anthem was played.

Originally published as Prince William places hand on Princess Catherine’s back as Queen Camilla reveals diagnosis