Kate Middleton defended after photo of her holding hands with Prince William sparks conspiracy theory
The Prince and Princess of Wales recently joined King Charles III and Queen Camilla in hosting French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their UK state visit. The royal couple greeted the Macrons at RAF Northolt on Tuesday before attending formal engagements. Photos from the event sparked online debate, particularly one showing Kate holding the tip of William’s hand with a strained expression.
Some conspiracy theorists seized the image, claiming it revealed tension in their marriage. Critics on Reddit argued the pair appeared forced, with one commenting, *“No chemistry at all,”* while another compared them to Melania and Donald Trump, known for their reportedly frosty public interactions.
Others pointed to Melania’s past behavior—such as swatting away Donald’s hand—as evidence of similar discord between William and Kate. A viral GIF of Melania rolling her eyes fueled further comparisons, with one user joking, *“She hates him so much that it’s hilarious!”*
However, royal fans quickly dismissed the speculation, explaining that William was simply helping Kate navigate stairs in her high heels. One supporter noted, *“They’re not holding hands romantically—he’s assisting her.”* Another highlighted subsequent photos showing the couple embracing warmly.
Defenders also mocked the overanalysis, with one remarking that Kate’s expression was typical of someone concentrating on walking in heels. *“It’s like a beauty pageant contestant smiling while managing tricky steps,”* they quipped.
Despite the brief frenzy, most agreed the moment was innocuous. The couple appeared relaxed and affectionate in other images, undermining the conspiracy theories.
The incident highlights how easily royal interactions can be misinterpreted. While skeptics scrutinize every gesture, supporters argue the Waleses’ marriage remains strong—and a single photo shouldn’t suggest otherwise.
