Kate Middleton's 'true feelings' over widower's 'breach of protocol' during palace reception
The pair shared a heartwarming momentKate Middleton shared a sweet moment with a widower at a special reception at Buckingham Palace this week.
The Princess of Wales, 44, attended a reception commemorating what would have been the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday.
During the reception, Princess Catherine met Tony Gledhill, 88. According to reports, Tony told Kate that his wife had recently died and that before her death, she had insisted that he attend the reception.
Kate Middleton shares hug with widower at palace reception
Tony is a former Metropolitan Police Officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966.
In photos and videos shared on X, the Princess of Wales and Tony were seen sharing a sweet moment at the reception. You can see Kate and Tony’s meeting here.
The pair held each other’s arms as they spoke. The Princess of Wales then went for a hug as an emotional looking Tony embraced her back.
Royal fans shared their thoughts on the heartwarming moment, with many gushing over the princess’ behaviour towards Tony.
Meanwhile, others questioned whether this was a breach of royal protocol.
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Can you hug members of the royal family?
Traditionally, people aren’t allowed to touch a royal unless one offered their hand.
However, many members of the monarchy have been seen breaking this rule on multiple occasions. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales have been seen hugging members of the public.
She is being the perfect royal and just going with it.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have also followed suit.
Now, former royal butler Grant Harrold has weighed in on the tradition.
Harrold, who worked for the royal family between 2004 and 2011, said that the Princess of Wales appeared “calm and collected in her approach” to Tony.
‘It is technically a breach of protocol’
Speaking on behalf of OLBG, etiquette expert Harrold said: “Kate Middleton is embracing the former officer back, which is quite sweet. But it is technically a breach of protocol.
“You’re not supposed to touch anyone in the royal family. Kate is very calm and collected in her approach. She is being the perfect royal and just going with it.”
He continued: “She has a very approachable and likeable way about her. Kate is not going to turn around and say, ‘You can’t do that’ and pull away from him. She is never rude.
“The palace advises you what you should and shouldn’t do in these situations. Kate won’t hold him to that and he’s been given an award.”
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