Does the Duchess of Cambridge Walk Behind the Duke of Cambridge?

In discussions about royal protocol, a common query is whether the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, typically walks behind her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, during official engagements. The answer is often nuanced and can vary based on specific context and the evolving nature of royal family dynamics.

Traditional vs. Modern Royal Protocol

Traditionally, in royal protocol, it is customary for the male member of the royal family to walk ahead of the female member during public appearances. This is why the Duchess of Cambridge would typically walk behind the Duke of Cambridge during official engagements and events. This practice has historical roots and aligns with wider societal norms upholding traditional gender roles.

However, in recent years, there has been a movement toward more egalitarian representations within the royal family. This shift in perspective has led to a less strict adherence to these traditional practices, reflecting a broader societal change towards gender equality. With the rise of more dynamic and modern royal couples, such as Prince Harry and Meghan, the strict adherence to these customs has become less pronounced.

Specific Context and Gestures

While it is generally true that the husband walks in front of the wife, there are situations where the couple might walk together. In the case of Prince William and Catherine, you may occasionally see them walking side by side. This is especially true for less formal occasions or while they are being greeted by other officials.

When royal members, such as William and Catherine, are being greeted during visits or events, there is a step-by-step process. For example, when greeting someone, William will often walk forward to shake hands first, after which Catherine may have to drop behind him to be the next to shake hands. This can be observed in photos during visits at Westminster Abbey, a place of solemnity and tradition.

Here's a hypothetical scenario: When William and Catherine enter Westminster Abbey, they are greeted by the Dean of Westminster who stands on their left. Upon turning, William will shake hands with the Dean first. After that, he will move to his right to shake hands with the Sub-Dean, at which point Catherine will move forward to shake hands with the Dean. This is a clear example of a nuanced protocol.

Examples of Modern Representation

During interviews and interactions, individuals often mention the specific instances of Royal Protocol being followed or not. For instance, when discussing Meghan and Harry, it is noted that they did not always follow the traditional stepping-back protocol. This is in contrast to the late Prince Philip, who would have always walked one step behind Queen Elizabeth II. Similarly, the Duke of Cambridge and Duchess of Cambridge have at times deviated from traditional practices, showcasing a more modern and egalitarian approach to royal protocol.

The observed behavior during events and photographs often highlight these deviations. In one famous photograph, William and Catherine are seen walking together, followed by Harry and Meghan walking together. This moment captured the evolving nature of the royal family's public image, moving away from rigid adherence to protocol and towards a more egalitarian representation.

What may have grated on some observers, like Meghan, about her role in the royal family is her occasional positioning relative to Catherine. By closely examining the dynamics and specific scenarios, one can see that the royal family's protocol is a mix of historical norms and contemporary realities.

Conclusion

Whether the Duchess of Cambridge walks behind the Duke of Cambridge is a complex question with no uniform answer. While traditional protocol suggests the husband should walk ahead, modern royal dynamics often see the couple walking side by side. Understanding these nuances provides a clearer picture of the evolving nature of the royal family's public image and its reflection of societal changes.