He’s not the only royal fan who’d like to get the attention of Kate Middleton – but this young boy had a rather cheeky and unusual approach when he tickled the Princess’ waist during a visit to Hull today.
The Princess of Wales, 41, received quite the surprise after a member of the wheelchair rugby squad got up close and personal during a visit to the Allam Sports Centre.
Kate ditched her trademark smart suits and opted for a tracksuit as she headed to meet Disability Rugby League players in East Yorkshire, where she joined a training session with the World Cup-winning England wheelchair rugby squad.
The mother-of-three chatted with team members before a young boy innocently sneaked behind her to tickle her waist. After causing a moment of alarm, the Princess turned around to see it was a cheeky rugby player having a bit of fun.
Kate quickly introduced herself to the enthusiastic player and shook his hand, while she beamed at him.
Kate Middleton (left) received quite the surprise after a wheelchair rugby player tickled her waist from behind (right)
The rugby player exclaimed ‘boo’ before tickling the Princess’ waist from behind- causing quite the shock
The clip started with Kate in a sweet conversation with a squad member after greeting him with a handshake.
But another player quickly stole the limelight by exclaiming ‘boo’ and tickling the Princess’ waist.
After the initial shock, Kate quickly found light in the situation and turned to shake the hand of the young gentleman with a wide grin across her face.
The interaction was just one of the many fun moments the royal enjoyed during her action-packed engagement today.
And she was certainly dressed for action: while Kate has been opting for sophisticated suits lately, she instead wore her navy Rugby League polo shirt and tracksuit bottoms with white trainers for the occasion.
But despite her casual attire, Kate still brought the glamour with perfectly coiffed hair and a pretty make-up look.
After meeting the players, the royal joined in and played in a match – despite still having a hand injury from trampolining with her children. Her affected hand was wrapped in bandages.
Before heading to the court, the Princess told a team member: ‘I’m worried about my finger, but willing to try.’
The Princess seemed completely in her element as she wheeled around with the World Cup winning squad
She shoots, and she scores! Kate scored a conversion during her training session in Hull
Kate Middleton (pictured) showed off her sporty side once again today during her outing to Hull
Kate Middleton said she was ‘worried about her finger’ but ‘willing to try’ her hand at wheelchair rugby as she turned up to the Allam Sports Centre in Hull with a bandage on her hand three weeks after injuring herself playing on the trampoline with her children
Getting in on the action the Princess seemed delighted to hit the ball
The bandages appear to be a precaution from her injury earlier this month – when she damaged her fingers trampolining with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at their home in Windsor.
But she certainly gave it her all, getting so caught up in the action during a match that she almost crashed into one of the posts, putting her arms out to brace herself from the impact.
Showing off her sporty side, the royal didn’t let her apparent injuries stop her as she got into the game.
The royal first ran around and passed the ball the rugby team, before having a go at the wheelchair game with the England Wheelchair Rugby League – and quickly celebrated a score.
England’s victorious coach Tom Coyd, 28, said: ‘She took to manoeuvring the chair really quickly.
‘I’m not just saying this because it’s her, but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen anyone score a conversion at their first attempt.
‘I think she’s been having secret practice sessions before coming here because she was a natural.
Making sure she was hands-on despite her injury, Kate jumped in the wheelchair and played some wheelchair rugby
Kate Middleton ditched the smart looks today as she opted for a tracksuit and headed to Hull to meet Disability Rugby League players, even jumping in the wheelchair to play a gam
‘She even finished off a passing move with a try in the corner. She blew me away to be honest.’
His triumphant team defeated defending champions France 28-24 to win the World Cup final in November.
And Kate told him how she, William and the kids, George, Charlotte and Louis, were ‘screaming’ at the TV as they secured victory.
Beaming Tom added: ‘She told me that the collisions on the TV is what hooked the kids in.
‘She hosted a reception for us at Hampton Court after we won and promised she would have a go herself.
‘For her to be up here today, getting in a wheelchair and giving it a go was really impressive.
‘I’ve seen people get in the chair and look really awkward. But she was so at ease with it all.’
World cup winner Tom Halliwell, 24, had only just recovered from meeting Prince William only the day before.
He added: ‘I got my OBE from William at Windsor Castle on Wednesday and now I’m meeting Kate.
The Princess played several games with different teams while in East Yorkshire
Pass to me! The sporty royal seemed hands on with the ball as she played in Hull
‘It’s been a crazy 48 hours. It was amazing to meet William – a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s been quite a humbling experience.’
He showed Kate how to score a conversion and watched in awe as she saw the ball pass through the posts – adding: ‘It’s all down to the coaching.’
Kate, who is patron of the Rugby Football League, made the trip to Hull as part of Rugby League inclusivity day.
She chatted with wheelchair players before taking part in drills with players who have learning disabilities. The Princess was then presented with three England rugby league shirts – one each for George, Charlotte and Louis.
Wheelchair Rugby League is currently the most inclusive format across Rugby League. It provides the opportunity for all to play together regardless of gender or disability.
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