Kate Middleton and Prince William Share an Awkward Gesture On TV

Gettyimages | WPA Pool

Fans of Kate and William have noticed an awkward moment of rejected PDA between the two on a BBC Christmas special they just appeared on.

It was called, cheekily, "A Berry Royal Christmas." The special was about Mary Berry from "The Great British Bake Off" and how she was helping the couple with their royal holiday preparations.

The two are shown sitting near a fireplace and chatting. Prince William is seen putting a hand on her shoulder. She jerks it away rapidly. "Jerks" is not overplaying the moment either.

But what's funny is that Kate continues to keep a wide smile on her face, while William continues talking as if nothing has happened. But we all saw it.

Maybe she was just adjusting in her seat.

Gettyimages | Chris Jackson

It is common knowledge that members of the royal family prefer to keep public displays of affection to a minimum. But all he was doing was trying to put a hand on her shoulder. That's it -- unless his "hand on the shoulder" move usually includes something a little more unacceptable. But that's highly unlikely given that they were on TV and taking part in a cheery holiday special.

Why couldn't he just show a little affection? Is something deeper at play here?

The rest of the special seemed more toned-down and not as tabloid-y. At one point, Middleton said William was not such a bad cook.

Kate told Berry about the old days, when William would cook her a lot more meals.

"[In our] university days, he used to cook all sorts of meals. I think that’s when he was trying to impress me, Mary. Things like Bolognese sauce and things like that."

Cheatsheet recalls that the couple met in 2001, when they were freshmen at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. One of their regular hangouts together was at Pizza Express.

That doesn't sound like much of a romantic restaurant, but given that they got acquainted in a small town, there probably weren't a whole lot of places they could try to have an intimate dinner. Couples have to have "your" spot, after all; it doesn't really matter where.

Social media noted how the couple's competitive nature comes out in their personalities and the way they interact with each other.

@PamMielnik said, "they have always had a bit of fun competitive streak. I remember them rowing or any sport and they try to beat each other and always with a smile or laugh. Loving couple who are devoted to each other and the crown."

The royals are always under stress, it seems, so perhaps they're just trying to make it through the holidays like the rest of us.

Right now, Americans aren't able to view the special on their tellys, which likely anguishes quite a few fans of the royals.