Prince William declined a fan’s request for a kiss during a public walkabout near Buckingham Palace. The Prince of Wales appeared to gently turn down the request, telling the woman that he does not usually give kisses.
The Prince of Wales keeps his composure during a Buckingham Palace walkabout
According to The Mirror, Prince William encountered a fan with an unexpected request while meeting members of the public near Buckingham Palace. The Prince of Wales had joined England cricketers Joe Root and Sir James Anderson for an informal cricket match on The Mall. During the accompanying walkabout, he met royal enthusiasts who had gathered to see him.
In footage shared online, one fan appeared to tug on Prince William’s clothing and draw him closer before attempting to kiss him. However, the Prince gently shook his head and declined the request. According to an observer cited by The Mirror, William said, “I don’t usually do kisses.”
The encounter comes after a series of public appearances by Prince William. During the cricket event, he also recreated a football celebration at the request of a young supporter.
William previously faced a similar request during a 2021 visit to a care home. Resident Betty Magee told him, “It’s customary in these parts to give a lady a kiss on the cheek.” William responded, “Oh, you are sweet. You’ll make me blush.”
However, William declined the kiss because of COVID-19 restrictions at the time. He reassured Magee, saying, “When the rules relax more, I will come back and give you a kiss on the cheek, Betty.”
Prince William has also received public praise for his interactions with members of the public. After he awarded actress Emma Thompson her damehood in November 2018, she recalled the encounter warmly.
“Prince William was absolutely fantastic. I wrote him a fan letter afterwards. His face and body language were so kind and generous to every single person,” she said.
