Kate Middleton laughs off 'breach of royal protocol' after cheeky encounter

May 19, 2024

The royals have a lot of protocols to follow, some easier than others. The same applies to members of the public when they greet any of them, although “there are no obligatory codes of behavior – just courtesy.”

However, Kate Middleton found herself in a ‘breach of royal protocol’ when she visited a sports center in Hull, UK, but in true Princess style, just laughed it off. Let’s take a look.

Kate Middleton finds herself in ‘cheeky encounter’

Whilst visiting a sports center for a rugby inclusivity day, without her husband Prince William, Kate could be seen playfully chatting with the students.

In a video caught by Sky News on X, formerly known as Twitter, one “cheeky” student catches the Princess by surprise, coming up behind her and ‘tickling her.’

Although some may see this as a “no-go” to touch a member of the royal family, it seems like it did take Catherine by surprise as she jumped up, however, she appears to then ‘laugh it off’ before placing her arm around the boy and shaking his hand, before engaging in conversation.

But, what exactly are the rules for touching a royal? Well, the monarchy’s website states that “there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting the King or a member of the Royal Family.”

Those who wish to observe the traditional forms of greeting can bow, for males, or curtsy, for women. Or, others prefer to shake hands.

However, it’s said that touching a member of the royal family when they have initiated contact is a ‘breach of royal protocol’ so to speak.

It’s best not to initiate physical contact with royal family members, and wait and see what the expectation is. Although, it looks like Kate didn’t mind at all with this young chap, and was even humored by his cheekiness!

Watch the moment a cheeky boy tickles the Princess of Wales during her visit to a sports centre for a rugby inclusivity day.

She was in Hull today to join some of England’s World Cup-winning wheelchair rugby league squad.

— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 5, 2023

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It isn’t the first time something similar has happened to the Princess of Wales. In fact, basketball star LeBron James once but his arm around the Duchess of Cambridge whilst posing for a pic.

Although these ‘breaches’ don’t seem to bother Kate, there’s one thing she won’t do, and that’s sign an autograph. Royals are not allowed to sign their signature, which Catherine had to explain to children at the Chelsea Flower show, however, she did draw a pic for them instead.

Online users praise Kate for the encounter

As Kate’s recent encounter with the cheeky chap goes viral, users have taken to X to praise the 41-year old on how well she ‘handled’ the encounter.

“I think she handled that beautifully,” penned one.

Another responded: “Didn’t she. And it was instinctive, not forced.”

“Love her. Truly kind and down to earth,” wrote another.

“She instinctively did that. No time to plan for it, just a genuine reaction,” observed another.

One user compared her to Prince Harry, as they penned: “She’s an incredible patron for Rugby League. It’s always a delight to see her involved similar to how Harry was. Thoroughly enjoy seeing her represent the sport.”