Kate Middleton was stunned to learn that her former school teachers at St. Andrew's prep school were in the crowd of people waiting to take a peek of her and husband Prince William. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in the south of Wales for a series of royal engagements on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
A royal aide of the Cambridges was told by the security that the duchess' former school teachers would like to see her. Denise Evans-Allford and Kevin Allford were delighted when Kate went out of her way to actually walk up to them and give them a hug amid a tight security.
The Allfords have not seen Kate since she left school to study at Downe House and Marlborough College, before eventually going to the University of St. Andrews, where she met Prince William. According to reports, her former teachers made an effort to drive to the south of Wales from their home to Carmathen just to see their former student.
Kate, apparently, did not expect to see her old teachers, who have actually been following her growth since she became a royal. Mrs. Evans-Allford said that Kate hasn't changed a bit since they last saw her.
The Duchess of Cambridge had wonderful memories of her time in St. Andrews. She said that she wants to instill the values she has learned from her teachers there.
According to Evening Standard, Mr. Allford taught French and German, while Mrs. Evans-Allford was Kate's netball coach. They were also the teachers of Kate's siblings, Pippa and James.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Cambridge had a different but memorable experience prior to his trip with Kate to the south of Wales. During the BAFTA ceremonies, which happened on Sunday, Feb. 3, Prince William was, apparently, starstruck when he came face to face with The Joker star Joaquin Phoenix.
Prince William had an animated conversation with the award-winning actor, as well as director Taika Waititi. The Duke of Cambridge was heard telling Phoenix that he "absolutely loved" his movie.
Phoenix, on the other hand, actually made a mistake of doing a curtsy in front of Prince William, according to Evening Standard. He was also spotted patting Prince William on his back.
Royal experts advised against hugging or touching the royals. The curtsy is also just exclusive for Queen Elizabeth.
However, some experts say that there are really no obligatory codes to follow when it comes to meeting members of the royal family. Phoenix may have likely been relaxed around Prince William especially when he indicated that he was a big fan.
