Royals generally refrain from overt displays of affection in public primarily due to protocol, tradition, and a focus on the people they are meeting.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Protocol and Tradition
The British Royal Family, and many other royal families around the world, adhere to a strict set of protocols and traditions. These guidelines dictate appropriate behavior in public settings, and overt displays of affection are often seen as unprofessional or distracting. Public appearances are considered part of their official duties, and maintaining a level of decorum is paramount.
Focus on Official Duties
Royal engagements are typically centered around meeting members of the public, representing their country, and supporting various organizations. Public displays of affection could be perceived as shifting the focus away from these responsibilities and towards their personal relationship. As the provided reference highlights, their priority is "in the people they are meeting, not in each other."
Maintaining an Image
The Royal Family is a symbol of stability and tradition. Maintaining a certain level of formality in public helps to uphold this image. While more modern royals are known to bend the rules occasionally, the underlying principles of protocol remain.
Cultural Norms
While views on public displays of affection vary significantly across cultures, more conservative norms in the UK have historically influenced royal behavior.
Media Attention
The Royal Family is constantly under intense media scrutiny. Any public display of affection, no matter how small, is likely to be amplified and analyzed. This adds another layer of pressure to maintain a composed and professional demeanor.
In summary, while times are changing and small gestures of affection have become more common, established protocols, the focus on official duties, and the maintenance of a certain image all contribute to the perceived lack of touching among royals in public.
