The Prince and Princess of Wales flew in to rainy Boston on Wednesday beginning their three day visit to the city for Prince William's Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, which will take place on Friday.
The royal couple surprised fans at TD Garden as they sat courtside and watched home team Celtics take on the Miami Heat. The two sat next to some of Boston's own royalty - eight time NBA champ and former Celtics player Thomas "Satch" Sanders, the team's owners and their spouses, and Massachusetts governor-elect Maura Healy.
The prince and princess also took selfies with fellow spectators, stood for the national anthem...endured some booing... and cheered on the Celtics.
During halftime, the Celtics honored a "Hero Among Us," a long-standing tradition with the team. 15-year-old climate activist Ollie Perrault was honored for her work to positively impact the community. William and Kate even chatted with the teen during a break.
The couple seemed to be truly enjoying themselves, even staying the entirety of the game when they were slated to leave during the 3rd quarter.
However, one aspect of their merriment took Twitter by storm—the princess' a pause—err... applause.
\u201c"Jolly good show, basketballers"\u201d— New York Basketball (@New York Basketball) 1669861082
The Twitterverse was perplexed.
\u201cI really do love her but is this her first time clapping??\u201d— Rex Chapman\ud83c\udfc7\ud83c\udffc (@Rex Chapman\ud83c\udfc7\ud83c\udffc) 1669864543
Why is she clapping like that?
— alexshelton16 (@alexshelton161) December 1, 2022
Has she ever clapped before?
— Rambling man. (@mntn2beachkid) December 1, 2022
I mean... we all know she faking. She ain't got no idea what the hell is going on... But why she look like this is the 1st time she's ever clapped in her life?
— Ya boi Ced (@ceddie_stl) December 1, 2022
I don't understand that clap. What is happening?
— Hummingbird 🔄 (@midvalegrad) December 1, 2022
What is that clap, Kate?
— Matthew (@maxtis85) December 1, 2022
\u201cKate Middleton: learn how to clap like a human challenge\u201d— Robert James (@Robert James) 1669862566
This is not, however, the first time Kate has been called out for her intermittent self-fives.
Remember Wimbledon 2014?
\u201cIf Wimbledon has taught us anything, it's that Kate Middleton isn't quite sure how to clap her hands.\u201d— chris o'dowd (@chris o'dowd) 1404664373
\u201cKate Middleton can't clap: "Is she clapping? Or making meatballs?" - Jimmy https://t.co/pQK18WleMM\u201d— The Tonight Show (@The Tonight Show) 1404822216
But alas, as many pointed out, the princess was likely exhausted from her extensive travels.
She flew commercial into Boston today and is up late to watch a game. Shocked she's upright.
— Shawn Tempesta (@ShawnTempesta) December 1, 2022
I think people forget that they’ve both been up for almost 24 hours, nevermind the time difference with jet lag.
— Kim (@KayToThaB) December 1, 2022
After that long air trip & endless events, they are doing a great job. They are actually awake & still standing. How awesome is that, to have the royal couple at your games Knicks!!
— DesertDemo9 (@RalphFlowers12) December 1, 2022
I am sure she is exhausted. Flight, jet lag, gaining 5 hours. 11:12 Wednesday on the east coast and 04:12 on Thursday in London. Impressive they both have their eyes open and smile, much less coherently clapping.
— Re Fab (@ReFab7) December 1, 2022
The Celtics outscored the Heat 134-121, and we're sure the royal couple—even if we couldn't tell—were elated.
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Human Rights Campaign/Facebook
Japan Japanese GIF
Deny Nba Playoffs GIF by NBA
China Cat GIF by FOREAL