There's a reason Prince William and Kate Middleton rarely hold hands in public.

Of the thousands of images that have been taken of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and her husband Prince William, you will see only a handful in which they are holding hands.

Or showing any kind of physical affection for that matter.

Well, it turns out there’s a reason for their lack of public canoodling.

According to British etiquette expert (yes, that’s still a real job) Myka Meier, they’re simply doing their job.

“There is no actual etiquette or royal protocol that says the couple must refrain from PDA [public displays of affection],” she told People.

via GIPHY

Instead, the Beaumont Etiquette director said it’s got more to do with the fact that the couple are most often photographed while performing their role as working representatives of the British Monarchy.

“The couple are likely to show very little PDA, if any, to remain professional during their designated roles abroad,” she said.

So basically, they’re just showing some decorum.

How very British.

Why does Princess Catherine always kneel? Are her kids just perfect.