5 Royal PDA Moments That Went Awkwardly Wrong

Being a public figure is fun until you realize that every move of yours is watched by millions with scrutiny. While some choose the life, royal family members don't really have a way out. Along with their happy moments, cameras also capture their awkward interactions. Every smile, gesture, and interaction can quickly become a talking point, especially when it comes to public displays of affection. While royal couples are often careful about how they behave in public, a few unexpected reactions have been etched in the memories of royal watchers.

One such awkward moment came during the BBC Christmas special A Berry Royal Christmas in 2019, when Prince William appeared to place his hand on Princess Kate's shoulder. Kate seemingly shrugged his hand away almost immediately, keeping her smile firmly in place. The moment soon turned awkward for William, who decided not to react to the dismissal and carried on as normal.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also found themselves at the centre of an awkward PDA moment during a Los Angeles Lakers game in April 2023. The couple was enjoying the basketball match when the Kiss Cam turned its attention to the Sussexes. The crowd erupted into cheers, prompting them to kiss, and while Markle appeared ready, Harry pulled back. Markle, playing it cool, then grabbed his arm and laughed, but the cameras captured every second of their awkwardness.

Years before Harry and Meghan and William and Kate, Prince Charles and Princess Diana had an even more uncomfortable PDA moment. During their 1992 visit to Jaipur, India, Charles appeared to lean in to kiss Diana on the cheek after a polo match. Diana turned her head away at the moment, and the kiss landed awkwardly on her ear and neck.

Harry and Meghan had yet another unexpectedly awkward scene during the 2018 Sentebale Polo. After Harry’s polo team won a trophy, Meghan joined the group on stage to present the award and congratulate everyone. However, as the team gathered for photographs, there appeared to be some confusion about where everyone should stand. As the couple tried to kiss, the team members kept interrupting them, making the celebratory moment chaotic.

Another awkward moment came shortly after Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding, when they attended the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards at Buckingham Palace. As the couple walked behind Queen Elizabeth, known for strict decorum, Meghan appeared to reach for Harry’s hand. Harry quickly seemed to pull his hand away before adjusting his suit jacket, leaving Meghan hanging.