Princess Charlotte 'broke' major royal protocol during rare meeting with senior royal at Wimbledon
A handful of Wimbledon spectators have been left confused after Princess Charlotte appeared to break royal protocol during her meeting with the King of Spain.
The 10-year-old attended the grand tennis tournament with her parents Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as older brother Prince George, 11, over the weekend.
The family took to the royal box on Sunday afternoon (13 July), where they witnessed Italy's Jannik Sinner steal victory from reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, after which Kate, 43, presented the winner with his trophy.
The prestigious stand was filled with a number of high-profile people, including actors Paul Mescal, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Scott and Matthew McConaughey, businessman Richard Branson, and Vogue's Anna Wintour.
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A number of other royal and political figures were also in attendance, such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan and King Felipe VI of Spain - the latter of whom rocked up to Centre Court to cheer on Alcaraz.
The European monarch, 57, previously witnessed winning the grand slam on two previous occasions.
Several photos of him attending this year have since gone viral, however, showing him meeting with William, Kate, George and Charlotte.
In one image, however, Charlotte appears to be curtseying to Felipe, who in turn holds out his hand for her to shake.
The elegant gesture has since sparked curiosity from onlookers, many of whom didn't expect the daughter of a future King to act in such a way towards another royal.
After a snap of the sweet interaction was shared on social media by HOLA! USA, one user questioned: "Did she curtsy to the King?"
Another asked: "Did Princess Charlotte curtsy?"
Apparently, however, just because of who Charlotte's father and grandfather are doesn't mean she's exempt from official protocol when it comes to more important members of the monarchy.
According to etiquette expert Myka Meier, all royals are expected to bow to the sovereign and their partner. In the UK, this would be King Charles and Queen Camilla. Even William and Kate, both 43, are expected to bow and curtsy to the pair in public.
And it would seem that the same rule applies for international kings and queens, with Charlotte likely having been advised to curtsy for the Spanish equivalent to her grandfather.
"The general rule of thumb to remember is that a Royal Highness does not curtsy to another Royal Highness," Meier added in conversation with PEOPLE Magazine.
So, being that the youngster is technically, 'Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Wales', and the King of Spain is 'His Majesty', she owes him a sign of respect upon their meeting.
Topics: Princess Charlotte, Royal Family, UK News, Wimbledon, Sport
Rhianna Benson