Home / Lifestyle / Kate Middleton's Hat Causes Royal Greeting Mishap
Kate Middleton's Hat Causes Royal Greeting Mishap
28 Sep
Summary
- Princess Anne declined a cheek kiss from Kate due to her hat.
- Anne joked about the hat, causing laughter instead of a greeting.
- Anne also opted for a handshake over a hug with a rugby player.
During the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March 2026, Princess Anne and Kate Middleton experienced a memorable interaction. As Prince William greeted his aunt with two kisses, Kate approached to do the same. However, due to the size of Kate's hat, Princess Anne chose not to attempt the customary cheek kiss.
Instead, Princess Anne humorously commented on the situation, which resulted in laughter from the Princess of Wales. This lighthearted moment was captured on camera. Kate had no issues greeting other royals with kisses, and she offered a curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Princess Anne has previously shown a preference for more formal greetings. In March 2026, she offered a handshake to Scotland rugby captain Sione Tuipulotu rather than accepting his offered hug after a rugby match. This inclination towards formality was further noted by royal biographer Robert Hardman, who recounted Anne's firm response to a hug offered by a staff member shortly after her mother's death in 2022.
