KATE MIDDLETON reportedly stopped her husband, Prince William, from getting a tattoo of considerable size on his back, similar to the one boasted by a famous celebrity footballer.

When it comes to the Royal Family, decorum and etiquette are king and it is therefore erroneously assumed that tattoos would be frowned upon. However, the assumption is far from the truth, as royals getting tattoos is something that has occurred for centuries. In fact, body ink has a rich history in the monarchy, where kings have got tattoos as acts of symbolism and good will.

According to 2008 reports, Prince William also wanted to get some ink on his skin – but Kate Middleton, his girlfriend at the time, was having none of it.

One sailor from HMS Iron Duke, in which Prince William was serving in the Caribbean, told The Sun that the now Duke of Cambridge was keen to get a large tattoo like that of David Beckham on his back.

The footballer famously boasts a large guardian angel.

However, according to the sailor, William told him Kate was the reason why he chose not to go ahead with it.

Kate Middleton reportedly stopped her husband, Prince William, from getting a tattoo (Image: GETTY)

Prince William was serving in the Caribbean in July 2008 (Image: GETTY)

The source revealed: “Lots of the guys on board sport tattoos [and] it was obvious William was fascinated.

“He asked how painful it was and wanted to know what they thought of his idea for a tattoo across his shoulders.

“We didn’t think he was serious – but he said he was keen to get a large tattoo like the one David Beckham has.

“He said the only thing stopping him was his girlfriend.”

David Camernon famously boasts a large guardian angel (Image: GETTY)

William’s grandfather, Prince Philip, is also said to be fascinated by tattoos (Image: GETTY)

William’s grandfather, Prince Philip, is also said to be fascinated by tattoos.

During a visit to the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards at Lille Barracks in Aldershot in 2017, the Duke of Edinburgh was anxious to see the variety of inkings on show.

One source said at the time: “He was asking them where they had got them done and what the story was behind them.”

William, of course, remained ink-free and went on to marry Kate in 2011.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are now the proud parents of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.