When you think of the British royals, what usually comes to mind? Royalty, tiaras, extravagant ball gowns, and the list goes on. They have long been associated with formal affairs, but there is something else that binds them together, even amidst their feuds: sports. The Windsor family, especially Prince Harry is no stranger to sports, excelling in everything from polo to rugby.

Whether it was Prince Harry’s creation of the Invictus Games or Middleton’s enduring passion for rugby, the connection between the royals and sports is undeniable. Recently, this connection manifested in a gesture by Middleton at a rugby tournament, leaving us wondering whether it was a playful tease or a heartfelt tribute to the Duke.

Royals: Where sports and playful teases meet Prince Harry

Kate Middleton spiced up her participation in a Wheelchair Rugby Game at the Allam Sports Centre, adding a lively twist that playfully ribbed her brother-in-law, the Duke, and Meghan Markle. While her primary goal was to champion inclusivity in sports, her unexpected wheelchair maneuver bore the unmistakable imprint of the Duke of Sussex’s Invictus Games in Germany. There, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex captured hearts with their unwavering support for wounded servicemen and women.

Apart from the heartwarming gesture at the opening of the Invictus Games, the Duke once shared a heartening moment as well. He hugged a wheelchair rugby player and planted a gentle kiss on their head. He was fully engrossed in the competition, closely following the intense eight-team wheelchair rugby knockout tournament. As per The News, Middleton exuded infectious enthusiasm during her training session. Reactions to her playful gesture were mixed. Some saw it as a friendly tribute to the Duke’s commendable work, while others took it as a lighthearted jest.

Teasing by Middleton, it seems, is not a foreign concept. There was that one cheeky moment when she playfully teased Prince William.

Middleton’s cheeky side: Teasing Prince William with love

Kate Middleton did not hold back from teasing her husband, Prince William, with playful nicknames. According to sources, in addition to the endearing “babe,” Middleton had cheeky monikers for Prince William like “Big Willy” and “baldy”. These playful names emerged after a gentle nudge from the late Queen Elizabeth II. She mentioned that Middleton “didn’t have a full-time career” before marrying the Prince. In return, Prince William affectionately called Middleton “Babykins” and “Duchess of Doolittle.”

The royal couple met as students at The University of St. Andrews in 2001 but kept their relationship private until it became public in 2004. After a brief breakup in 2007, they reconciled and married in April 2011. Eventually, they welcomed three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The tradition of fun nicknames continues in the family, with Louis affectionately known as “Lou-Bug,” Charlotte as “Lottie,” and George as “PG Tips.”

What do you think of this gesture by Middleton? Share your thoughts in the comments below.