Kate Middleton found herself in an awkward – but telling -moment this week after having to gently refuse a royal fan’s heartfelt request while in Wales.
The Princess of Wales was in Wales with Prince William on February 26, ahead of St David’s Day on March 1, 2026.
As the couple greeted crowds during their visit, one young supporter asked Kate for her autograph. What followed was a polite apology…and a reminder of a lesser-known royal rule.
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Kate Middleton rejects royal fan’s request on Wales visit
During their trip, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Hanging Gardens community centre, the Oriel Davis art gallery and the Hafan yr Afon cultural centre.
The royal couple met volunteers running the hub’s café, performing arts space and indoor market, spending time chatting with members of the community.
Kate stepped out in a striking burgundy coat layered over a matching blouse and maxi skirt. In a thoughtful nod to Wales, she accessorised with a yellow daffodil badge — the country’s national flower. The symbol, also associated with St David, is traditionally worn to celebrate Welsh heritage on the feast day.
But it was her exchange with a young fan that quickly drew attention.
In footage shared on Instagram, Kate can be heard responding to a request for her autograph. “I can’t sign things, I’m so sorry. I can shake your hand, though,” she said warmly, before offering a handshake and a gentle hug. “Nice to meet you.”
Royal Family members do not sign autographs, as signatures could potentially be misused or forged — a long-standing protocol designed for security reasons.
Kate’s ‘expert’ handling of protocol ‘break’
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, body language expert Darren Stanton described the interaction as a “masterclass” in handling a potentially awkward situation.
“She’s a real master now in connecting with people very quickly,” he said. “Kate appreciates that many have stood in the wind and the rain to meet her and William. The man in the crowd was poised with his paper and pen. She qualified her actions by legitimating it by saying we’re not allowed to sign things.
“She also immediately reached for his hand and said sorry, which appeased him. Then she followed that up with a hug. She didn’t make it an issue. It was a masterclass in overcoming a potentially awkward situation with zero fuss and drama. It’s clear that Kate cares about people. Her smile was genuine and authentic and his happy expression was also genuine.”
Kate’s burgundy ensemble also echoed the coordinated looks she and William wore at the BAFTA Film Awards over the weekend, where William opted for a velvet burgundy suit and bow tie.
Kate’s visit amid Andrew scandal
It appears William and Kate are putting on united fronts, despite the ongoing tension within the royal fold, given Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s recent arrest and mounting scrutiny on The Firm.
In a statement issued following Andrew’s arrest, the king said, “The law must take its course.”
Meanwhile William and Kate are understood to back that stance entirely. However, insiders claim the couple have been eager to publicly distance themselves from Andrew.
“They’ve been itching to say something,” one source told the Daily Mail.
Earlier this month, a spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales confirmed they were “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations”. They also emphasised that their thoughts remain focused on victims connected to the Epstein case.
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