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Royal Fans Are Loving How Kate Middleton Apologized to William After Beating Him Twice In a Race

(L) Kate Middleton gestures to Prince William as she helms an America's Cup yacht; (R) Prince William helms an America's Cup yacht as he races Kate Middleton. Cover Image Source: (L) Getty Images | Chris Jackson; (R) Danny Martindale/WireImage
(L) Kate Middleton gestures to Prince William as she helms an America's Cup yacht; (R) Prince William helms an America's Cup yacht as he races Kate Middleton. Cover Image Source: (L) Getty Images | Chris Jackson; (R) Danny Martindale/WireImage
Jun. 20 2025, Updated 11:46 AM. ET
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It’s no secret that Prince William and Kate Middleton bring out the competitive streak in each other whenever they go head-to-head in games. Just last month, the Prince and Princess of Wales competed in a pipe-building challenge in Glasgow, where Middleton hilariously defeated her husband and claimed victory. The moment brought back memories of their 2014 trip to Auckland, where the royal couple raced yachts during their tour. A throwback clip of Middleton cheekily apologizing to William after beating him twice recently resurfaced, leaving royal fans in stitches at their not-so-sporty rivalry. 

William and Middleton's New Zealand tour with their then 8-month-old son, Prince George, saw the pair participate in a friendly yacht race in Auckland Harbor, which involved taking the helm of Emirates Team New Zealand America's Cup yachts. According to Sky News, Middleton could not hide her happiness when she brutally beat William twice and was seen punching the air on both occasions. Dressed in nautical blue and white striped top and skinny jeans, Middleton hilariously apologized, "I am sorry" after reuniting with her husband on land. As per Marie Claire, the resurfaced clip has amassed more than 21K and 515K views on TikTok.

Image Source: TikTok | mrsmiddletonx| @LUCYKHAN
Image Source: TikTok | mrsmiddletonx| @LUCYKHAN

After Middleton's hilarious apology went viral, royal fans couldn't help but say the same thing. A royal watcher commented, "Wow! Listen to how she says, ‘I am sorry’... Her smile, the love, her body language... she's absolutely gorgeous 🥰🥰🥰❤❤❤." In a similar vein, another chimed, "Kate is a beauty. She was meant to be royalty 👑. Beautiful, elegant warm warm-hearted. She is made of all the things a princess should have." 

Image Source: TikTok | mrsmiddletonx| @Libra-lass
Image Source: TikTok | mrsmiddletonx| @Libra-lass

While fans couldn't help but gush about the couple's playful rivalry, some netizens urged the Waleses to turn up the PDA a notch and share a kiss. Commenting on the same, a royal fan said, "Greeting her husband like he’s a friend. Kiss that man!!" Another echoed, "William, where is the kiss?" Meanwhile, a royal watcher couldn't contain their excitement at William and Middleton's future reign, commenting, "I just can't wait until William and Kate are our King and Queen 🙏🙏🙏."

Image Source: TikTok| mrsmiddletonx| @PeteyPete2345
Image Source: TikTok| mrsmiddletonx| @PeteyPete2345

The Prince and Princess of Wales' playful yacht race also resulted in some hilarious exchanges between the pair. Sky News reports that William had previously told New Zealand Prime Minister John Key that he would be the one to win the coveted race. After his brutal defeat, he joked, "We were sabotaged," and when someone told him that Middleton looked pleased to have won, he added, "I bet she is. Selfless husband. I wanted a quiet night." Eric Haagh, who was the skipper of William's boat, also explained that, even though the Prince "was a good sailor," his wife ultimately won because she "pushed us around into a bad position" and "did very well."

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