Prince William, alongside his wife Kate Middleton, marked the presence of the British monarchy at the nuptials of Prince Hussein of Jordan and Rajwa Al Saif last Thursday. However, a video capturing the Duke of Cambridge urging his wife to expedite her conversation with the bride has stirred controversy.
The Prince and Princess of Wales found themselves amidst the throng of guests who gathered to wish the newly married couple. The circulating video clip features Prince William, now 40, in a brief embrace and chat with Prince Hussein, followed by an exchange with the newly minted princess, while his wife carried on the conversation.
However, William seemingly grew restless, urging Kate Middleton to wrap up her conversation by saying, "Chop, chop, let's keep going." His hand movements, signaling a desire to move on, did not go unnoticed by Al Saif. He remained somewhat detached as his wife prolonged the dialogue, praising the bride's wedding attire, before they eventually proceeded.
This conduct sparked a flurry of reactions, with Twitter users denouncing it as "rude" and lacking "class." One user remarked, "All the money in the world, yet no class. He thought it was acceptable to tell the royal couple and his wife to hurry up and stop talking. Like, the bride totally saw him. Don't these people go to charm school or something?"
Another post read, "You and your wife are both rude. Kate: for keeping the pleasantries too long when there's a long line behind her. William: Your impatient gestures are rude in a diplomatic event in front of cameras. You could've prompted her discreetly, like a gentle tap on the elbow/waist."
Critics also highlighted that Prince William spent a considerable time conversing with the bride, potentially longer than Kate Middleton did.
Conversely, some defended the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, attributing the behavior to consideration for others waiting in line.
The royal couple's visit to Jordan was unannounced, but they were noticed on Wednesday, reportedly lodged in a luxury hotel in Amman. Their presence at the wedding was only confirmed a few hours prior to the ceremony by Jordanian state media.
On Thursday morning, they were joined by Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at the wedding venue, where they offered curtsies to the groom's parents, King Abdullah and Queen Rania. They, along with other foreign dignitaries, were part of the traditional katb al-kitab ceremony where the marriage contract was signed.
Prince Hussein, 28, is a Georgetown University and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst alumnus, just like Prince William. He currently serves as a captain in Jordan's armed forces. Rajwa Al Hussein, a newly minted royal, is an architect and comes from a notable Saudi family.
The bride was resplendent in an Elie Saab couture gown and a dazzling diamond tiara. Kate Middleton was equally elegant in a long-sleeved dusty rose Elie Saab dress, while Princess Beatrice donned a silver Needle and Thread gown. Prince William complemented them in a navy suit paired with a light blue tie. The British royal couple later switched outfits for the wedding reception, culminating the festivities with a fireworks display.
