Parents everywhere felt for Kate Middleton on Sunday.
The Duchess of Cambridge was on the receiving end of some grade-A snotty toddler behavior from her 4-year-old son, Prince Louis, while watching Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London.
A video shows the Duchess, 40, leaning over to whisper a word to her youngest, who was palpably frustrated at Sunday’s pageant. Then, as his mother continued speaking, Prince Louis cupped his hand and held it over over her mouth, prompting Middleton to politely pull it away.
The 4-year-old continued to make faces as Middleton spoke to him, sticking out his tongue, and putting his thumb to his nose while wiggling his fingers — as viewers around the planet looked on.
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(For her part, Kate had a hint of a smile on her face after the preschooler’s hissy fit.)
Prince Louis, the youngest son of Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, threw a tantrum during an event Sunday concluding Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. https://t.co/b9fsXnidQt pic.twitter.com/005b4euRFu
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 6, 2022
Video of Louis’s pageant antics quickly went viral. Some criticized the child’s behavior: “Kate cannot control her children!” Others empathized: “That’s what kids do.”
“Thanking [Prince William] and [Kate Middleton] for showing the world how kids under-10 and under-5 actually behave, not the cute, well curated, and extremely micromanaged pictures of kids/families on social media. I can relate and it’s impressive they allow their kids to be kids,” one person tweeted.
Thanking #PrinceWilliam and #KateMiddleton for showing the world how kids under-10 and under-5 actually behave, not the cute, well curated, and extremely micromanaged pictures of kids/families on social media. I can relate 💯 and it's impressive they allow their kids to be kids.
— Kemi Owonibi (@KemiOwonibi) June 6, 2022
“Almost every kid throws a fit when they’re tired, and kids all over the world put their hands on their parents’ mouth,” another tweeted in defense of Middleton.
I don't usually feel bad for Kate Middleton sussex essex duchess of crumpets of whatever, but damn, lay off the parenting judgement. Almost every kid throws a fit when they're tired, and kids all over the world put their hands on their parents' mouths. Lol, some people.
— Amy Lou (@amylouvoodoo) June 5, 2022
An opinion piece published in the Sydney Herald stood with Middleton: “You know who doesn’t judge others for their parenting? Those of us who know how hard it is ... And pageants are boring as hell.”
On Monday morning, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared to shrug off the viral commentary, thanking guests via Twitter for showing “their gratitude to The Queen and her inspiring 70 years of leadership.”
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“We all had an incredible time,” William and Kate continued, “especially Louis .... “
We all had an incredible time, especially Louis… 👀 (3/3)
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 6, 2022
W & C pic.twitter.com/HFgK72kU05
Brittany Bowker can be reached at brittany.bowker@globe.com. Follow her @brittbowker and also on Instagram @brittbowker.