We have all dreamed of the day when we are minding our own business and we bump into Kate. Perhaps we’re shopping the Kensington High Street, trying on jackets in Hobbs, and a glossy brunette woman compliments your shoes. You look up – and its her. It is the Duchess of Cambridge. There’s a pram in the corner and a RPO hovering nearby, and here you are shopping with Kate. Dare to dream…
We often wonder what we would do if we spotted a royal (or any celebrity, for that matter) out in their normal lives. It is such a rare occurrence – almost like seeing a unicorn in the wild. Here is the glamorous, beautiful, regal, elegant future Queen of England – what do I do?!
Watch in awe from a respectful distance. And remember they are human! It is so nice to catch a glimpse of royalty doing normal things, like walking the dog, working out at the gym, or doing a bit of shopping. Let them enjoy their day while you enjoy this little sighting of royalty.
Respond to them. Sometimes, Kate, Wills or Harry will say something to you. On one occassion, Kate asked a younger girl if she would like to go in front of her in line. Harry might say something like “hi, how are you?” (especially if you’re young, pretty and blonde). Respond to them without babbling like an idiot or mumbling something unintelligible! Remember – They. Are. Human.
Leave them alone. It will be the hardest thing you will ever do, but leave these people alone. You’re so tempted to go up to them, introduce yourself, and tell them what an inspiration they are to you and how much you love them. They appreciate this sentiment, but not as much as they appreciate living their private lives as normal as possible.
Don’t tweet about it. Many paparazzi and photographers scroll through Twitter looking for tweets such as this one. Then, they’ll zoom over to Regent Street looking for Kate in a black dress so they can snap a picture and sell it for a hefty sum. If you need a reminder on why this is a terrible thing, watch this video.
I run in the Hyde Park every day and have never seen a royal. Thank goodness I know now what to do just in case I ever do – absolutely nothing!
I love this Christine! It would definitely be hard to not go up to Kate, just like it would be hard to not go up to any Hollywood celebrity, but I wouldn’t do it (unless it was a specific autograph signing for a celebrity). If they are out shopping, eating, visiting, etc, they are doing so to have private time and enjoy themselves. Having folks fawn over them and come up to them at every turn is obviously not why they are there. I had a friend go up to a celebrity while EATING DINNER and ask for an autograph. He politely signed one for her, but I thought it was so rude! Great advice you have!