5 days ago
Princess Kate's Risky Move in Public With William Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Footage of Princess Kate patting Prince William on the bum during a royal engagement has gone viral on TikTok.
The Princess of Wales showed her feelings as the couple were walking into the BAFTA Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall, in London, on February 19, 2023.
The couple were walking past a fan who was filming on a cell phone when she gave William a cheeky pat on the backside, behavior that might cause more conservative royal watchers to raise an eyebrow.
A clip of the moment resurfaced on TikTok where it was liked 27,000 times and viewed 280,000 times having been posted with the message: "Kate 👀🍑."
Why It Matters
Royals have not always been known for public displays of affection.
In 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II returned from a six-month tour of the Commonwealth without her children she famously shook Charles' hand rather than hug him.
In the modern world, though, the family are far more public with their feelings, including PDAs like Kate's at the BAFTAs.
What to Know
As the prince and princess made their way down the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall, cameras captured Kate giving William a subtle pat on the behind—a rare public display of affection that got fans talking on social media at the time.
Kate stunned onlookers, in a reworked Alexander McQueen gown and opera gloves, while William opted for a velvet tuxedo.
The affectionate gesture was subtle—easily missed if not for a slow-motion clip circulating online—but it quickly became one of the night's most talked-about moments.
Royal watchers applauded the glimpse of lightheartedness between the couple, interpreting it as a sign of their enduring bond.
Princess Kate whispers to Prince William at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall in London on February 19, 2023.
Princess Kate whispers to Prince William at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall in London on February 19, 2023.
DaveWhat People Are Saying
One fan commented, "she had to claim him on the spot 🤭🤭🤭" while another wrote: "Our beautiful Kate, can't wait for her to be Queen!"
What Happens Next
The Wales family are on their summer vacation but will likely be back out on royal engagements in the Fall, not least for the State Visit of President Donald Trump.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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