With all of their poise, grace and seamless public appearances, it’s sometimes easy to forget that the royal family are just people! And no matter how well prepared they are, mishaps can still happen…
The Duchess of Cambridge nearly tripped up as she left the Troubadour White City Theatre in west London in November 2019. William and Kate were saying goodbye to their hosts after Shout’s Crisis Volunteer celebration event, when the Duchess appeared to stumble, as she made her way to the car.
During her royal tour in 2018, Meghan Markle was making her much-anticipated arrival in Tonga with Prince Harry. The Duchess looked gorgeous as she disembarked the plane, dressing her baby bump in a red Self-Portrait number. But some fans noticed that she’d made a small mistake with her outfit, by accidentally leaving the return label on the dress.
Mistakes happen! The Duchess grinned as she attempted to pull her heel out from a grate while visiting Mons Barracks Aldershot at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2013. Holding Prince William’s hand for support, Kate was quickly able to free her shoe before carrying on with the official visit.
The Queen might be used to accepting bouquets of flowers, but she struggled to keep control of this arrangement! Her Majesty fumbled with a bouquet while marking the 150th anniversary of the Eton Combined Cadet Force at Eton College in 2010.
The Duchess of Cornwall appeared to need some assistance as she struggled with an umbrella during a windy visit in Wiltshire in 2011. We’ve all been there!
The Queen doesn’t often lose her composure, so when she nearly lost her hat in the strong wind while attending a welcoming ceremony with Sultan Qaboos of Oman in Muscatvin in February 1979, it was a moment to remember – particularly when she masterfully caught the escaping headwear and put it back on.
Princess Diana fell up the plane stairs in 1991 during a visit to Pakistan. Having slipped and grabbed the handrail to steady herself, Diana’s bad day only got worse when her flight was delayed for an hour because of a rainstorm. The windy weather also caused havoc with her wraparound skirt, so we’re guessing she was glad to finally get on board the plane.
The Duchess of Cornwall didn’t realise how windy it would be when she attended the christening of Princess Charlotte in July 2015. Dressed in a powder blue dress with a matching hat, Camilla clung onto her outfit as she arrived at the Church of St Mary Magdelene on the Sandringham Estate.
In June 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the wedding of Princess Diana’s niece Celia McCorquodale in Lincolnshire. As they were walking downhill towards the church, Meghan was caught stumbling in her heels, but luckily Prince Harry, with who she was holding hands, was there to save the day!
Floor-length gowns and stairs are never a good friend! Queen Sofia of Spain learnt this the hard way when she tripped up while arriving at a state dinner at the White House in 2000. Hillary Clinton could be spotted looking on in concern as President Bill Clinton and Sofia’s husband, King Juan Carlos, swiftly helped her up.
Heels can be so tricky! Crown Princess Mary of Denmark lost her shoe while visiting the gravesite of President John F Kennedy by the Washington Monument at Arlington National Cemetery. The princess, who was accompanied by her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, realised her mistake just a few moments later…
Prince Philip was a keen sportsman in his youth – and sometimes sports can be a little dangerous! The Duke of Edinburgh took a tumble during a competitive game of polo on bicycles at Smith’s Lawn back in 1967. Despite his royal status, Philip’s fellow players seemed unconcerned by his tumble, and more focused on winning back the ball.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark laughed heartily as she lost one of her shoes while greeting the Home Guard in Copenhagen in 2017. Dressed all in blue, the monarch reached forwards for the shoe, with the guards on hand to offer their assistance. Naturally, the queen kept her composure during the mishap.
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