Kate Middleton has had a busy few days undertaking some royal public engagements. It’s included the future queen visiting a temple in Leicester last week, which had recently celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colour, love, and spring. While meeting the local people and learning about the traditions, Kate inadvertently broke royal protocol when joining in with a dance… (Picture: Getty Images)
For context, Kate — who looked stunning in a cream custom Chris Kerr coatdress and a pleated knit Ralph Lauren midi dress — removed her camel stilettos to take part. This is a move that’s typically avoided during royal engagements, as it’s deemed unprofessional, too casual, and un-royal for public appearances. However, removing shoes before entering a temple is customary in Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, and symbolises respect, humility, and purity in a sacred space. (Picture: Getty Images)
While Kate’s gesture marked a sign of respect, there are other occasions she’s broken royal protocol. The princess is known for straying from the rules, many of which are outdated and don’t resonate with her and Prince William’s vision for a modern monarchy. Here, we take a look at six different moments where Kate has ditched tradition and done her own thing… (Picture: Getty Images)
Kate ditches the tiara at King Charles III’s coronation
When Kate turned up to King Charles’s coronation in 2023 in an ivory flower headpiece, some onlookers were shocked. Not because it didn’t look beautiful (of course, the princess looked stunning), but because many expected her to sport an elaborate tiara to mark her ascent as the Princess of Wales. While royal women traditionally wear tiaras to coronations, Kate’s intentional choice was to match the scaled-back, less formal, and more sustainable theme of the ceremony. (Picture: Getty Images)
Kate kissed King Charles in public
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Following the funeral of the Duchess of Kent in September last year, Kate showed an ultra-human side to the royal family: she planted a kiss on the cheek of her father-in-law, King Charles, in support. We get it — this is a pretty standard reaction for us peasants, but for the royals it’s traditionally frowned upon to show any signs of public affection. Now, this isn’t because they’re all made of stone. Rather, it’s because royals are public servants and are required to remain professional when out in public or when attending an official engagement. (Picture: Getty Images)
Kate introduced Prince William without his titles
At home, Prince William is just ‘William’ to Kate. To their kids, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, he’s ‘dad.’ However, to the world, he’s Prince William. Or even more formally, His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. But back in January, when Kate toured Charing Cross Hospital with her husband, she ditched the titles and introduced him as ‘William.’ In a clip, the princess is seen greeting a patient, before saying: ‘This is William.’ (Picture: Getty Images)
Kate stopped a royal convoy to greet fnas
Last year, Kate visited a family-run knitting business in Wales. After the event, she jumped back in the car and was driven away by her convoy. Typically, once the royal is back in the car, the convoy leaves the event straight away — never stopping. But on this particular day, Kate heard a little girl shouting, ‘Hello Princess!’ which literally melted her heart. Breaking protocol, she hopped out and greeted the girl, which the BBC described as ‘remarkable because royal convoys rarely stop after they have left an engagement.’ (Picture: Getty Images)
Kate put on the PDA with William
Like we said, royals generally avoid PDA (public displays of affection) to maintain a professional, dignified image. It’s considered etiquette during public and formal events, and ensures that the spotlights stays on the cause, rather than the relationship. Back in the day, older generations like Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip rarely showed affection towards one another. However, there’s been a shift amongst the younger royals, who want to put on a more relaxed persona. Kate gave an example of this at the 2023 BAFTAs, when she was seen cheekily patting her husband on the bum. (Picture: Getty Images)
Kate loves a selfie
Taking selfies with fans is a normal part of celebrity culture — fans want to capture the moment they met their idols, and plaster it all over social media for others to see. But there’s an exception for the royals, who aren’t technically allowed to take selfies because of an age-old rule: commoners like us aren’t actually supposed to turn our backs on royals. Thankfully, younger royals like Will and Kate have done away with the outdated rule, and posed for selfies with fans plenty of times. (Picture: Getty Images)Add as preferred source