25 Times Kate Middleton & Prince William Forgot the Cameras Were Around

Sure, their primary jobs are doing charity work, but whether they like it or not, a large part of said work for Kate Middleton and Prince William involves having their photo taken — like, a lot. Whether they're simply doing a walkabout on Christmas at Sandringham, attending a sporting event such as Wimbledon, or traveling on an official royal tour, photographers follow the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge everywhere — so much so that the royal couple must sometimes forget that they're being photographed. Most of the time, the two look camera ready, but once in a while, it seems as if they're clueless to those photographers being around.
William and Kate always keep things professional, rarely getting too candid (unlike their more casual counterparts, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle), but it's impossible to always stay "on" when you're being photographed as much as William and Kate. Now and again, we catch a glimpse of the royal pair "breaking character" and, for better or worse, acting like a regular couple — and of course, this only makes us love them all the more.
We applaud William and Kate's ability to stay so poised and professional so much of the time, but we also love it when we see their more human, sometimes downright silly sides. From borderline intimate moments to those times they just couldn't stifle their laughter, here are the sweetest times William and Kate forgot the cameras were around.
Glam Vibes
Even though they're walking the red carpet, it looks as if Kate completely forgot about the cameras and just wants to share a funny story with her husband. Then again, it's not like this isn't a regular evening for them both — they're more than used to hitting the carpet together.
Is Anyone Else Even There?
Who cares? William and Kate are only aware of each other — and their drinks, of course. Given that William grew up skiing with his family on vacation and that these two have always been super active and ready for anything, we're willing to bet this was a fun day for them.
What Cameras?
The duke and duchess only have eyes for each other, and this photo is proof of that. Regardless of what the tabloids might say, we've seen plenty of photographic evidence that they're just as in love with each other as they always were — or they're really good at faking it.
Again, Dealing With the Kids
Who has time to worry about the cameras when you've got potential tantrums on your hands? Sometimes they have to convince those kids to be nice while meeting new people, and we do not envy that. Fortunately, now that their kids are getting older, they should be at least a little bit easier to travel with.
Trooping the Colour 2017
When you've got two kids to deal with, who has time to worry about photographers aiming their lenses at the Buckingham Palace balcony? Of course, we know William and Kate know they're on camera while they're watching the flyover, but at the same time, they have to tend to their kids.
Parent Mode
Anytime we get a peek into what William and Kate's parenting lives are like, we love it — including this moment they shared with a tiny Prince George and Princess Charlotte. When the little ones are around, it's nearly impossible to pay attention to the cameras in your face.
Stay Still, George
It looks like the main thing on both William and Kate's minds here is keeping toddler George under control, which is why they're both holding a hand. Listen, anyone who's ever parented a kid this age has been there. George is just way better dressed than our kids ever were!
An Adorable Prank
Just in case you didn't know, Kate happens to have an excellent sense of humor — which was on full display during 2021's COP26 royal reception. Kate presented William with a cup of larvae that was part of an exhibit at the event, resulting in this adorable photo.
Sharing Smiles
While visiting a job center in the fall of 2020, William and Kate took a minute to look into each other's eyes and share a smile. We'd love to know what these two were talking about when this photo was taken, but it'll probably forever remain between them.
A Little Juggling
During a 2020 tour of Ireland, William didn't hold back on showing everyone at the Galway Circus his juggling talents — and of course, Kate (who has probably seen him show off this skill before) looks so amused by him — and ready to catch any balls that he might drop.
A Night at the Theater
Every year, William and Kate attend the Royal Variety Performance, and they always dress to impress — even if they do forget they're being photographed during the performance itself. These two are snuggled up in the balcony together like they're the only ones in the room.