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Prince William’s Secret Code for Kate Middleton at Royal Events Gets Caught on Camera

Behind their strict protocols, the royals are just like the rest of us — losing track of time while in conversation, only to be rushed by our better halves. This was plain recently when Prince William and Princess Kate stepped out for the German state visit and slipped into the easy dynamic of a typical married couple. The Princess of Wales, as she often does, was completely engrossed in a lively chat with a curator, a habit even the royal family teases her for. William, ever the caring husband, read the situation straightaway and tapped her softly on her back as a subtle reminder to wrap things up and move along, in an adorable moment of marital teamwork.

While making the rounds of the Green Drawing Room with King Charles and Queen Camilla during the welcome of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender, William and Kate stopped to view a display of German-linked pieces from the Royal Collection. The Princess of Wales was especially excited as she discussed several items at one of the tables, while the Prince observed until he noticed Prince Edward approaching. He then gently nudged his wife, following which she quickly thanked the curator and followed her husband to the next section. 

This is not the first time the Princess has found herself completely absorbed in conversation. During Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan’s wedding in 2023, she was seen cheerfully chatting with Princess Rajwa Alseif. William, aware of the growing queue behind them, then too motioned for her to move along and, with a touch of humor, saying, 'Chop chop,' a moment that drew smiles from those nearby. Kate is well aware of this habit herself, but still forgets.

In the 2016 documentary Our Queen at Ninety, the Princess of Wales admitted, "I think there is a real art to walkabouts," adding, "everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting, so I think I've still got to learn a little bit more and pick up a few more tips, I suppose." Her love for striking up a conversation also separated her from her family more than once. On Christmas Day last year, after taking extra time to greet well-wishers at Sandringham, she looked up and joked, “I think I’ve lost my family.” But she is not the only chatty royal in the family.

The King is also known to slow down engagements because he enjoys speaking with people at length. As reported by Marie Claire, royal author Robert Hardman revealed that the King “does love a chat” and often makes staff 'nervous' when events start to run behind. He explained, no one is eager to walk up to the monarch and say, "Sir, can you get a move on?" So just like William, Queen Camilla is often seen signaling to her husband to get going. It's usually a gentle tap on his shoulders with the corner of her handbag.