The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, were met with a warm reception as they graced the red carpet at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday evening.

However, it was a playful moment between the royal couple that stole the spotlight, surprising onlookers and igniting a viral sensation on Twitter.

As they made their swift arrival, Princess Kate was seen playfully tapping Prince William’s bottom, catching him off guard.

The lighthearted gesture was captured by an attentive onlooker near the red carpet, instantly spreading like wildfire on social media platforms.

This marked the first time in three years that the royals had walked the BAFTA red carpet together, adding to the excitement surrounding their appearance.

Demonstrating her dedication to sustainable fashion, Princess Kate opted to re-wear a stunning Grecian-style gown by Alexander McQueen, which she had previously donned at the BAFTAs in 2019.

Prince William, on the other hand, chose a classic and elegant look, sporting a double-breasted black velvet tuxedo jacket.

It is worth noting that Prince William has been the President of BAFTA since 2010, and Kate joined him for her first attendance at the event in 2017.

Since then, she has established a tradition of showcasing British designers on the BAFTA red carpet, exemplified by her choice of a black McQueen gown.

Before the ceremony commenced, the royal couple had the opportunity to meet with important figures within BAFTA, including Chairman Krishnendu Majumder, Chief Executive Jane Millichip, and Chairwoman of the BAFTA Film Committee Anna Higgs.

During their conversation, the couple was informed about the Queen’s unwavering support for the arts.

In fact, a special tribute honoring the late monarch’s patronage of the industry was showcased to the esteemed guests during the event.

Prince William commended the leaders for their outstanding work, nodding in agreement as Ms. Higgs emphasized the significance of promoting diversity within the industry.