LeBron James Royal Protocol: NBA Player Wraps Arm Around Kate Middleton After Game [Video]

NBA player LeBron James made news for “violating” royal protocol when he wrapped his arm around Kate Middleton for photos. The Cleveland Cavaliers player didn’t hesitate putting his arm around the Duchess of Cambridge’s shoulder for the pictures.

The Telegraph has the video that can be seen below of the incident when their royal highnesses posed with James.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watched LeBron James’ Cavaliers play against the Brooklyn Nets Monday night at the Barclay Center. Things got awkward when the royal couple took some time to interact with LeBron. The Telegraph notes in its report that what the star basketball player did by touching a member of the royal family was severely out of line. It adds that it “echoes” the incident in which First Lady Michelle Obama put her arm around Queen Elizabeth in 2009. That, too, caused an uproar of breaching royal protocol.

According to the Official Website of the British Monarchy, the royal protocol regarding physical contact is better explained.

“There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms.”

“For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”

Once the game concluded, the duke and duchess had a private photo session with 29-year-old LeBron. He offered them cupcakes and presented a jersey that read “Cambridge” on one and “George” on a much smaller jersey for their son. Duchess Kate found herself between Prince William and James for the photo. The basketball player’s arm was around Kate’s shoulder for reportedly 20 seconds. While she had a tolerable expression on her face, she went along with the moment.

James also asked William what his shoe size is. William jokingly answers while pointing to his size 15 feet, “Half the size of yours.”

Etiquette expert Patricia Napier-Fizpatrick tells the New York Daily News how Americans should behave when royals visit the nation.

“Americans are not required to bow or curtsy, but should do so as a sign of respect. They’re much more casual, but taking a little extra care in your appearance is important.”

It’s a known fact that America and Britain have a good relationship. LeBron James and the conflict with royal protocol by putting his arm around Kate Middleton in New York probably wasn’t the best thing to do, but it’ll add to the experience of their visit to the United States.

[Image via NY Daily News]