FHHRN
Since marrying Prince William in 2011, the Princess of Wales has developed strong bonds with many members of the Royal Family. However, one memorable encounter saw Kate apparently ‘snubbed’ by William’s aunt, Princess Anne, with cameras capturing the entire exchange.
Despite that particular moment, Catherine and Anne are generally understood to share a warm and respectful relationship. Both women have made public service a central part of their royal roles, while the future Queen is said to hold considerable admiration for Anne’s famously demanding work schedule.
Their friendly dynamic is regularly visible at major royal occasions and national celebrations, where the pair are often photographed exchanging affectionate greetings.
On one occasion, however, their interaction did not go quite as smoothly.
What happenеd between Kate аnd Anne?
Kate, 44, and Princess Anne, 76, were among the senior royals who gathered at Westminster Abbey in London for the Commonwealth Day service in March this year.
As they arrived, the Prince and Princess of Wales warmly acknowledged other members of the Royal Family. But when Catherine approached Anne, their usual greeting did not quite go according to plan.
William had just welcomed his aunt with two kisses on the cheek, and Kate appeared ready to follow his example. However, as she moved closer, it quickly became clear that her large statement hat was going to make the gesture rather difficult.
READ MORE: Moment Queen Camilla Appeared to Direct Princess Kate Away During Major Royal Event Resurfaces
Rather than risk an awkward attempt at the customary cheek kisses, Anne chose to make light of the situation instead. Her playful reaction immediately amused Catherine, who was seen laughing at the exchange.
Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English later shared footage of the encounter on Instagram, explaining: “There was no way Princess Anne was going to attempt a kiss under a hat like the Princess of Wales.”
Kate nevertheless managed to work around her striking headpiece when greeting other members of the Royal Family with kisses. When she approached King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Princess also combined her affectionate greetings with a respectful curtsy.
Princess Anne’s virаl hug moment with rugby stаr
Princess Anne has shown on other occasions that she often prefers a more traditional approach when greeting people. After Scotland’s rugby victory over England in March, team captain Sione Tuipulotu moved towards the Princess as though expecting a hug, only for Anne to laugh and offer him a handshake instead.
The pair later turned the widely shared exchange into an ongoing joke. While celebrating Scotland’s win against France, Sione playfully appeared to make another attempt at an embrace. Anne immediately joined in with the humour, laughing and raising her hands before once again choosing a handshake.
Sione eventually received the hug he had been waiting for. Scottish Rugby subsequently released footage from the Aviva Stadium changing room in Dublin showing the player embracing Anne before thanking her.
“Away from the crowd!” he joked as he patted the Princess on the shoulder.
Anne’s rеaction after being hugged by staff mеmber
Anne’s preference for keeping greetings more formal was reportedly made particularly clear following the death of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman recounted an incident from that period in his book The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy. According to Hardman, a senior member of staff offered the Princess Royal a hug shortly after the Queen’s death, prompting a characteristically direct response from Anne.
“There then followed a wry smile. ‘That is the last time that’s going to happen,’ the Princess said firmly,” Hardman wrote.
