Kate Middleton Breaking Royal Protocol

1 When She Gave a Friendly Hug

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When greeting a member of the royal family, the monarchy suggests that you shouldn't go beyond a handshake, but some of the royals usually let the rule slide for children. During an official tour of Poland and Germany in July 2017, Kate greeted a group of kids with warm hugs and sweet smiles when she visited Strassenkinder, a charity that supports kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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In January 2018, Kate embraced another young fan during a visit to Bond Primary School.

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2 When She Flew With Prince George and Prince William

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According to royal rules, two direct heirs — William and George — should never fly on a plane together so that the lineage is protected in case of an accident. However, Prince William and Kate Middleton bent the rules during Prince George's first royal tour of Australia and New Zealand in April 2014.

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They went against royal protocol yet again when they they packed up George and Charlotte for their Canada trip in 2016.

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3 When She Didn't Wear Skirt Weights

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While it's not technically royal protocol to wear weights in your skirts, it is a fashion hack Queen Elizabeth II follows to ensure her dress stays in place during official outings. Though Kate is known for her impeccable style, she has been victim to a gust of wind from time to time. During a tour of Canada in July 2011, Kate's dress got swept up in the wind as she arrived at Calgary Airport.

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In April 2016, while arriving at a war memorial in India, Kate had another "Marilyn Monroe moment" when her white dress blew in the wind.

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4 When She Took a Selfie

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Royals usually don't take selfies or sign autographs, but even Kate has made a few exceptions. During Kate and Will's North American tour in July 2011, the duchess stopped to take a selfie in Slave Lake, Alberta.

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While attending the Virgin Money London Marathon in April 2017, Kate smiled for another selfie with a runner.

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5 When She Wore Wedges

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The queen isn't too fond of wedged shoes, but that hasn't stopped Kate from wearing them time and time again. During her Canadian tour with William, Kate donned a pair of wedges when she boarded a Canadian Air Force jet at Yellowknife Airport in July 2011.

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In September 2012, Kate wore wedges during the Diamond Jubilee Tour in Singapore.

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6 When She Showed PDA With Prince William

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Even though there isn't technically a rule against showing PDA, royal couples usually refrain from hugging or holding hands during official appearances since they are serving as "working representatives of British monarchy." While Kate and Will are more discrete with their PDA, they have shared a few sweet moments together over the course of their relationship. Kate gave her man a subtle smooch as they celebrated William's win at the Foundation Polo Challenge in Santa Barbara, CA, in July 2011.

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In August 2012, Kate and Will couldn't help embracing while cheering for the home team during the London Olympics.

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7 When She Wore a Dress That Went Above Her Knees

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Though the queen reportedly prohibits women from bearing their knees in public, Kate has "skirted" that rule on a few occasions. In February 2013, Kate visited the Hope House in a black and white dress that went just over her knees.

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In July 2016, Kate's hemline raised eyebrows yet again as she visited the Royal International Air Tattoo.

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