Prince William, Kate Middleton To Follow Diana's Example, Shake People's Hands To End COVID-19 Stigma

Prince William and Kate Middleton will shake people's hands post lockdown to end the stigma associated with COVID-19 pandemic, a source claimed.

The British royals will emulate the late Princess Diana during the AIDS epidemic in their approach, Nigel Cawthorne, author of "Prince Andrew: Epstein and the Palace" told Daily Mail.

In 1987, when stigma associated with HIV was on the rise, Princess Diana was pictured shaking hands with an AIDS patient at London Middlesex Hospital.

"HIV does not make people dangerous to know. You can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it," the late Princess of Wales was quoted as saying at the time. Back then it was believed that the disease could be transmitted through skin contact.

According to Cawthorne, Prince William will do the same to show that "life can resume normality." The young royals do not belong to the "at-risk" demographic and they would want to show that although the pandemic has changed lives, it will not hamper hopes for the future.

Following the coronavirus pandemic, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are carrying out their engagements via video call. They are also homeschooling their two older children -- Prince George (6) and Princess Charlotte (5).

Although the U.K. is planning to ease lockdown in the coming weeks, it would be a while before the Royal family resumes public engagements.

According to the Daily Mail report, the Royal family is looking at new ways to resume physical engagements in the future that will be in-tune with government policies.

The Cambridges, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, are more likely to be the first ones to resume physical public duty. Queen Elizabeth, who is 94, may remain in self-isolation for many more months, according to the report.

On Wednesday, Prince William and Kate led birthday wishes to Prince Philip as he turned 99.

Wishing Prince Philip, who is the longest-serving royal consort in British history, Kensington Royal uploaded a picture of Middleton with him at a lunch and another of William laughing with the elderly royal.

“Wishing a very happy 99th Birthday to The Duke of Edinburgh!” the caption read.