Prince William and Kate Middleton get the giggles as they’re told to look ‘happier’ on joint photoshoot

The Prince and Princess of Wales couldn’t help but exchange giggles as they were told to look “slightly happier” during a joint engagement last week. 

Prince William and Kate were accompanied by stars including Gabby Logan and Jill Scott for a group photograph at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, as the Princess made a surprise appearance to support the launch of her husband’s suicide prevention toolkit.

The famous group smiled for the camera as they sat down – although they were soon told this wasn’t quite good enough and that they needed to look “slightly happier”.

“Slightly happier would be lovely!” the photographer commented, prompting the royal couple to burst into laughter and provide the wider grins required. 

William and Kate dealt with the comment in good grace and appeared very willing to oblige – clearly used to the difficulties of achieving the perfect royal picture. 

William and Kate’s award photo shuffle

It wasn’t the only minor mishap during the photoshoot, as it began with an awkward reshuffling of places. 

During one hilarious moment, Gabby Logan ended up being seated between the pair, but William clearly wanted to be positioned next to his wife. 

He gestured around, while appearing to point out, “Catherine has to come to the middle!”

© Getty Images

After some swapping of seats, the Princess obliged, and soon everyone was correctly in position as required. 

William had been due to attend the event at Everton Football Club solo, with a host of sporting stars backing the online resource aimed at grassroots players, professionals, organisations and fans.

But unannounced, Kate stepped from their chauffeur-driven vehicle with William after it pulled into the grounds of Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Pala

It was their first joint royal event since their summer break and the return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK. 

The Waleses’ busy recent schedule

On Monday, Prince William and Kate revealed the exciting news that they will be attending the World Premiere of Digger on 22 September. 

They are attending to support the Royal Film Performance, as it will be the 73rd film delivered by the charity. 

© David Cliff / Kensington Palace

The couple always look so glamorous when attending premieres together, from James Bond to Top Gun, so it’s likely we can expect an equally dazzling appearance next week. 

Prince William is the president of BAFTA, so is known to be passionate about championing the British film industry.

The Princess herself has been very busy in recent weeks. As well as travelling to Liverpool with William last week, she also dropped off Prince George for his first day at Eton College, and returned to the Royal Marsden in London on Friday, where she underwent her chemotherapy treatment in 2024.