Kate Middleton makes rare moment of affection towards Prince William in behind-the-scene snaps

Kate Middleton was captured making a rare moment of affection towards her husband Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Awards on Sunday.  

Royal photographer Chris Jackson, who is married to The Duchess of Cambridge’s stylist and close friend Natasha Archer, 34, took to Instagram and explained how he captured a series of behind-the-scene pictures from the inaugural event at Alexandra Palace in London. 

Among the black and white images, which were shared to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s social media account, include the moment Kate, 39, put a loving hand on Prince William’s lower back in a rare display of public affection – as they are captured looking intensely in each other’s eyes and smiling at one another.

The couple have always acknowledged the Queen’s wishes for royal family members to avoid loved-up displays in public.  

Royal photographer Chris Jackson captured Kate Middleton making a rare moment of affection towards her husband Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Awards on Sunday

In another adorable photograph from the engagement, a dapper dressed Prince William pulls back the curtain as he and Kate are seen smiling and laughing

In another adorable photograph from the engagement, a dapper dressed Prince William pulls back the curtain as he and Kate are seen smiling and laughing together.

Elsewhere, two poignant individual shots of the pair show them both reflecting before they’re about to go on stage on give their speeches on the importance of looking after the environment for several generations to come. 

Alongside the series of snaps, Chris penned: ‘Some of you may have noticed I was a little quiet after the Earthshot awards…

‘This was because I had a fantastic opportunity to shoot “behind the scenes” with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the groundbreaking environmental initiative that will do a huge amount to change the narrative over the next few years.’

Kate Middleton can be seen holding onto the railings as she takes to her seat next to husband, Prince William 

Another poignant shot of Prince William shows him reflecting before heading on stage at the end of the event

‘It was special to witness the passion and energy that went into this event from close quarters and performances from talented artists such as @teddysphotos @ksi and @coldplay.

‘I think these pictures illustrate some the depth of feeling throughout the event.’

To match the event’s ethos and highlight on sustainability, the mother-of-three recycled the Alexander McQueen dress she first wore ten years ago in 2011, at a Bafta reception in Los Angeles while she and Prince William were touring America as newly-weds. 

The decade-long global environmental competition awards £1million to five winners for an idea to protect the planet.

William warned that we live in ‘the most consequential time in human history’ as he addressed the audience at the ceremony.

‘The future is ours to determine, and if we set our minds to it, nothing is impossible. I want to say something to all the young people watching tonight.’

‘For too long, we haven’t done enough to protect the planet for your future. But Earthshot is for you. In the next ten years we are going to act. We are going to find the solutions to repair our planet. ‘

The five winners, which span the globe from Costa Rica to India, include transformative technologists, innovators, an entire country, and a pioneering city and were chosen for their ground-breaking solutions to the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet.