Princess Kate’s reaction to a bold question by a women’s rugby player during a royal engagement has gone viral on TikTok.
The Princess of Wales was asked whether she was willing to be lifted up using a common technique deployed in catching line-out throws, but there was just one problem.
The method for hoisting a player into the air involves getting up close and personal in a way that isn’t common practice for the royals.
During a visit to Twickenham Stadium, England’s rugby home, players asked Kate Middleton for permission to lift her in the air by her hips, causing her to burst into laughter. A women’s rugby player informed Kate with a playful apology, saying, “I just wanted to make you aware… I’m so sorry,” to which Kate responded with laughter, covering her face and mimicking surprise.
The moment, which was captured on video, quickly went viral on TikTok, reaching over 611,000 views and 56,000 likes. In the video compilation, fans also included other lighthearted clips of Kate. One shows a schoolboy handing her a stick, prompting her amused response, “Wow, that’s so cool. I like that, thank you.” Another clip from her 2016 visit to Bhutan shows Kate throwing a dart and then reacting in mock shock, with an on-screen caption humorously suggesting, “I think she might have killed someone.”
At the time of her rugby visit, Kate wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “I am so thrilled to become patron of the @TheRFL and @EnglandRugby.
“Two fantastic organizations who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish.
“I look forward to working with them across all levels of the games, and to cheering England on in what promises to be an exciting year for both sports!”
The Prince and Princess of Wales jumped on the subway in West London in May 2023, to head into town on the Elizabeth Line, named in tribute of Queen Elizabeth II, who had died months earlier. As they got off at Tottenham Court Road station on their way to the Dog and Duck pub in Soho, they suddenly found themselves in conversation with a famous trainspotter, Francis Bourgeois.
The TikTok influencer is known for being very enthusiastic about trains in a charmingly awkward way and filming himself close up using a GoPro in fish eye mode.
Kate replied: “very nice to meet you,” while William said: “Hi, how are you doing very nice to see you.”
Bourgeois added: “Erm, I hope you enjoy the Elizabeth Line,” before William shrugged and replied: “Yeah, its been good. Have a good day.”
The TikTok influencer replied, “cheerio,” and then sat down, looking a little star struck.
Kate replied, “Nice to meet you,” and William replied, “Hi, how are you? Nice to see you.”
Before William could answer, Bourgeois said, “I hope you enjoy the Elizabeth Line.” William shrugged and said, “Yeah, it’s been good.” Good day.
The TikTok influencer replied, “cheerio,” and then sat down, looking a little star struck.